Function of human life

Anabolism

is the process whereby smaller, simpler molecules are combined into larger, more complex substances.

catabolism

is the process by which larger more complex substances are broken down into smaller simpler molecules.

Metabolism

is the sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions that take place in the body

responsiveness

is the ability of an organism to adjust to changes in its internal and external environments. An example of responsiveness to external stimuli could include moving toward sources of food and water and away from perceived dangers. Changes

movement

Human movement includes not only actions at the joints of the body, but also the motion of individual organs and even individual cells.

development

is all of the changes the body goes through in life.

differentiation

in which unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function to perform certain tasks in the body.

growth

is the increase of size of cells

reproduction

is the formation of a new organism from parent organisms. In humans, reproduction is carried out by the male and female reproductive systems.

Homeostasis

homeostasis requires that the body continuously monitor its internal conditions.

set point

is the physiological value around which the normal range fluctuates.

normal range

is the restricted set of values that is optimally healthful and stable.

Negative feedback

negative feedback maintains body parameters within their normal range.

Positive feedback

intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition rather than reversing it. A deviation from the normal range results in more change, and the system moves farther away from the normal range.