Introduction:
This assignment attempts to define the term “physiology” to an audience that is
unfamiliar with this biological term. This will be done through parenthetical,
sentence, and expanded definitions.
Parenthetical Definition:
The physiology (normal bodily functions) of a frog is different than that of a human.
Sentence Definition:
Physiology refers to a stream of biology that deals with the normal functions of
living organisms.
Expanded Definition:
What is physiology?
It is a stream of biology that deals with the functions and activities of living
organisms. The term “physiology” comes from the Greek words “physio” meaning
nature and “logia” meaning study.
What is the history of physiology?
The study of physiology dates back to ancient Greece, Egypt, India and China. Most
of these records pertain to human physiology. The study broadened to other living
things over the centuries as scientists became more and more interested in the
bodily functions of organisms.
What is physiology not?
Physiology is the study of the interactions of cells of living organisms, not the
naming of their structures, which is referred to as anatomy.
How is it used?
Physiology aims to understand how living organisms function and survive in the
world. By looking at the mechanisms of how cells of a certain organism interact with
each other, we can understand how the whole body functions are integrated
together. If we can understand this integration, we can begin to understand how
cells function when diseases are present and work to treat those causes.
An example of human physiology is depicted in Figure 1. This pathway shows how
reflexes occur in the knee joint. As an object touches the skin, signals are sent to the
spinal cord and brain. From there, the signal is sent to muscles and the lower limb
moves as a result.
Source: Adapted from Knee Reflex in The Free Dictionary
by Farlex. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/knee+reflex
What are the types?
Physiology can be catered to all living organisms. Depending on your field of study,
you may be learning about human physiology or salmon physiology. There is
physiology of each and every living organism, however larger life forms provide a
wider range of study than microscopic ones.
Works Cited:
“Knee Reflex.” TheFreeDictionary.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2016.
“Medical Definition of PHYSIOLOGY.” N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2016.
“What Is Physiology? – Definition & History.” Study.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2016.