Physiology is the branch of biology that studies the functioning of living organisms.
The word physiology is of Greek origin and derives from physis "nature" and logos “study, knowledge”.
Physiology involves understanding the functions of cells, tissues, organs and systems in the organism, as well as their interaction and importance for survival.
For this, physiology deals with the study of multiple chemical, physical and biological functions that guarantee the proper functioning of organisms.
Understanding how living organisms work has always aroused the curiosity and interest of scientists. The first studies on physiology were developed in Greece 2,500 years ago.
Physiology can be classified according to its object of study. Animal Physiology studies the functioning of animal organisms. In this area is the Human Physiology, focused on human beings.
Meanwhile, Plant Physiology focuses on vegetables. Thus, it is considered as a branch of the botany which studies the processes that occur in plants and their responses to changes in the environment.
Human physiology
The human organism is made up of several parts, which together guarantee its proper functioning.
The level of organization of the human organism is as follows: molecules - cells - tissues - organs - systems - organism. All levels work in an integrated way, through varied and numerous chemical reactions.
In the study of human physiology, the level of organization of the organism must be recognized:
- Molecules are essential for chemical reactions to occur and act at the cellular level;
- The cell is the smallest structural and functional unit;
- Tissues are groups of similar cells that perform a particular function;
- When different types of tissues are joined together, they form organs with specific functions and usually with a recognizable shape;
- A system consists of related bodies that perform a common function;
- All systems functioning in an integrated way make up the organism, an individual.
Read too:
Human Body Cells;
Human Body Tissues;
Organs of the Human Body;
Human Body Systems;
Human Body.
plant physiology
Plant physiology studies all plant organisms and their interactions with the environment (soil, climate, ecological interactions).
Vegetables also have a level of organization composed of: molecules - cells - tissues - organs - systems and organism. This organization, together with chemical reactions, are fundamental for plant growth and development.
Among the physiological processes that ensure the survival of plants, the following stand out: photosynthesis, breathing, germination and the transport of water and nutrients.
homeostasis
Homeostasis is closely related to physiology. It is defined as the organism's ability to maintain its internal environment in a stable condition, both in rhythm and in chemical composition.
Homeostasis guarantees a state of relative independence of the organism in relation to the oscillations of the external environment. With this, the organism can carry out its cellular, tissue and systems functions, at the appropriate time, place, intensity and duration.
An example of homeostasis in the human body is the control of body temperature. Under normal conditions, the temperature is around 37º C, ensuring that the body functions normally.
However, an increase in temperature can cause changes in the functioning of some metabolic activities. Thus, the body produces sweat in an attempt to cool down and return to the proper temperature.
Learn more about homeostasis.
