Human Physiology Course Overview

Course Structure

• One-semester course covering major organ systems.
• Begins with cellular physiology before moving to specific organs and structures.
• Information builds upon previous topics, unlike disjointed courses.
• Basic physiological principles learned by mid-semester; applicable across organ systems.
• Importance of keeping up with material to avoid falling behind.

Class Preparation

• Review lecture slides before class.
• Class time used to review and ensure understanding of concepts.
• Goal: learn, understand, and apply material, not just memorize.

Key Concept: Homeostasis

• Term coined by Dr. Cannon.
• Describes the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment through physiological responses.
• Physiology involves understanding the maintenance of homeostasis.

Homeostasis in Action

• Body constantly monitors various factors within a tight range to signify health.
• Balance indicates homeostasis; imbalance indicates potential pathology.

Physiological Mechanism

1. Receptors
   • Monitor changes in the body.
   • Send information to the integrating center.
2. Integrating Center
   • Assesses incoming information.
   • If within normal range, continues normal function.
   • If outside normal range, sends signals to effector organs.
3. Effector Organs
   • Implement changes to restore balance/homeostasis.

Responses to Imbalance

1. Eliminate the cause of imbalance.
2. Counterbalance the imbalance with a new response.
3. Combine elimination and counterbalancing to restore balance.

Course Focus

• Emphasis on maintaining homeostasis across different organ systems.
• Continuous effort by the body to maintain balance.