Functional Human Physiology
Lab for the Exercise and Sport Sciences
Introduction to Human Physiology Lab
Jennifer L. Doherty, MS, ATC
Department of Health, Physical Education, and
Recreation
Florida International University
Course Resources
 Required for Lab
 PhysioEx for Human Physiology, 2nd ed. (2003). Stabler,
workbook and CD-ROM
 Principles of Human Physiology, 2nd ed. (2005). Germann
& Stanfield
 Recommended as References
 Interactive Physiology (2002). 7-System Suite CD-ROM.
Benjamin Cummings publishers.
 Human Anatomy & Physiology Student Video Study Guide
Series: Vol 1 & 2
 Available on reserve in Green Library
PhysioEx for Human Physiology
 Complete Exercises in Computer Lab
 Turn in to Lab Instructor at beginning of Next
Class
 Lab Exercises will count as 25% of your Lecture
and Lab Grade
Table of Contents
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Introduction to Human Physiology
The Cell: Structure and Function
Cell Metabolism
Cell Membrane Transport
Chemical Messengers
Muscle Physiology
Nerve Cells and Electrical Signaling
Exam 1 Review
 The Nervous System
 The Central Nervous System
 Sensory Systems
 Autonomic and Motor Systems
 The Cardiovascular System
 Cardiac Function
 Blood, Blood Flow, and Blood Pressure
 Exam 2 Review
 Respiratory System
 Breathing Mechanics
 Gas Exchange and Regulation of Breathing
 The Urinary System
 Renal Function
 Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
 The Endocrine System
 Regulation and Energy Metabolism
 Immune System
 Exam 3 Review
Introduction to Human Physiology
Department of Health, Physical
Education, and Recreation
Florida International University
Homeostasis
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The relatively stable internal environment needed to maintain life.
Mechanism of physiological regulation
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Maintain body systems within ranges necessary to maintain the
homeostatic state.
Alterations in the homeostatic state or levels indicate the presence of
disease or dysfunction.
The mechanisms of homeostatic regulation have these components
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1)
Integrating Center
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2)
Set Point
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Normal value or range of values for a regulated variable
Regulated Variable
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3)
Body function that is affected by homeostatic feedback mechanisms
Sensors
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4)
Receptors that monitor the internal or external environment
Input or Error Signal
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5)
Information coming into the integrating center from sensors
Effectors
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Elicit changes directed by the integrating center to bring function back to normal
levels
Feedback Mechanisms
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Coordinated operation of homeostatic regulation of body functions
Feedback
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Process of taking input from a sensor, integrating it, and sending
information, usually called output, back into the system to elicit a response
by the effector.
Negative feedback
1)
2)
3)
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Positive feedback
1)
2)
3)
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Most physiological feedback is negative feedback
Returns the system to normal levels
Increased regulated variable above normal homeostatic levels produce regulatory
mechanisms that decrease the regulated variable back to normal levels
Input produces continued movement in the same direction
The response enhances or increases the original stimulus.
Few positive feedback systems exist in the body because driving a homeostatic
level further out of balance can cause permanent damage or death
Homeostasis in all organisms is continually disturbed by stress

Any stimulus that creates an imbalance in the internal environment
Thermoregulation
Integration During Exercise
 Hierarchy of Resource Allocation in
Response to Physical Activity
 Brain is highest priority
1) Stress of exercise provides homeostatic imbalance
2) Physiologic mechanisms must compensate for
increased activity of skeletal muscles
3) Maintain blood flow to brain and heart
4) Dissipate body heat
5) Removal of metabolic waste by liver and kidneys