Introduction
Physiology refers to the study of functions and mechanisms of the human body. Human physiology focuses on how the different chemical reactions occur inside the body. It includes the study of the functioning of cells, tissues, and the organ system. Physiology is extremely important as it gives us in-depth knowledge of body functions. This knowledge is helpful in better understanding of the internal workings of the human body and in treating any disorder. The study of physiology can be traced to 420 BC. Several ancient and modern theories have contributed enough to give adequate knowledge about the human body. However, modern techniques like gene sequencing technologies and different body scans have contributed much to this study. Read the article to get the human physiology study material.
Types of Human Physiology
- Cell Physiology (study of the functioning of cells)
- Special Physiology (study of any specific organ, for instance, neuron physiology)
- Systemic Physiology (includes all body systems)
- Pathophysiology (study of effects of diseases on the human body)
Biological Systems under Human Physiology
Physiology deals with different biological systems in the human body. From cellular to organ systems, physiology covers every aspect. The biological systems under human physiology are as follows:
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Circulatory System
Circulatory system is also called the cardiovascular system. It deals with the heart rate and blood circulation. In the human body, the heart is a muscular pumping organ. There are two types of blood vessels – arteries and veins. Arteries are responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to different organs, except the pulmonary artery where it carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, where it gets oxygenated. Meanwhile, veins collect deoxygenated blood from organs and deliver it to the heart, except the pulmonary vein where it carries oxygenated blood from lungs back to heart. Capillaries are the thin network that joins arteries and veins.
Physiology reveals the electrical activity of the cell in the heart that controls the heartbeats. It deals with the functioning of blood vessels, the heart, and blood circulation.
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Digestive System
Digestive system comprises the gastrointestinal tract through which food passes during the digestion process. The food enters through the mouth, where it gets mixed with saliva for mastication. Oesophagus connects the mouth to the stomach, and the stomach has special gastric secretion to digest food. Notably, the maximum absorption of food takes place in the small intestine. Absorption of water from the digested food occurs in the large intestine, and the waste is excreted via the anus.
In the digestive system, physiology deals with the study of different digestive organs such as the liver, pancreas, stomach, and others.
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Endocrine System
The human body’s endocrine system involves the ductless gland that secretes hormones. These hormones are responsible for different chemical reactions occurring in the body. There are eight major endocrine glands. They secrete hormones in the blood, which transports them to the target organs. However, both hyper or hypo-secretions of these glands can cause severe diseases.
The human physiology for the endocrine system deals with the functioning and distribution of hormones.
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Immune System
The immune system is the defence mechanism of the human body. It comprises white blood cells, the thymus, and the lymphatic system. WBC’s are the soldiers of the body, as they protect it from different pathogens.
The study of the immune system is necessary to understand the defence mechanism, which eventually helps in eradicating diseases. Physiology provides complete knowledge of the immune system.
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Nervous System
The human nervous system consists of two parts; the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord, whereas PNS consists of nerves and ganglia arising from the brain and spinal cord.
For the nervous system, physiology covers senses, memory, emotions, movements, thoughts, and coordination of different organs.
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Excretory System
The human excretory system is responsible for removing waste products from the body in the form of urine. It purifies the blood by removing wastes like urea.
The physiology of the excretory system involves the study of kidneys, ureters, bladders, and urethra. It also includes the process of urine formation.
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Respiratory System
The respiratory system of humans includes organs necessary for gaseous exchange. Humans take up oxygen from the atmosphere by the nostrils. This inhaled air passes from the pharynx to the larynx and then to the trachea. The bronchial tubes (2 tracheal division) lead the air into the left and right lung. The body removes carbon dioxide from the nostrils during exhalation.
Here, physiology involves the study of inhalation and exhalation passage and organs of the respiratory system.
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Integumentary System
The integumentary system in physiology involves the study of skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands. The functions of integumentary organs include temperature regulation, fluid maintenance, sensation, and synthesis of vitamin D.
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Musculoskeletal System
This system comprises muscles and skeleton that provides framework and locomotion to the human body. The study of bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and bone marrow also comes under physiology.
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Reproductive System
Human physiology also deals with the study of the reproductive organs (both male and female). It deals with the study of implantation and development of the foetus for the entire nine months.
Physiology versus Anatomy
Human anatomy is the study of the structure and identification of human body parts. In contrast, physiology is the wide branch that deals with the functioning of all human body cells, tissues, and organs.
Conclusion
Human physiology is the study of different organs and organs systems of the human body. There are four basic types of human physiology – Cell Physiology, Special Physiology, Systemic Physiology, and Pathophysiology. It differs from anatomy as anatomy only focuses on the structure of the organs, while physiology focuses on the entire functioning of the human body.