Physiology definition: is the scientific study of functions and mechanisms in living systems. It is a branch of biology that focuses on how organisms, organ systems, individual organs, cells, and biomolecules carry out chemical and physical functions in living organisms. Scope: Physiology examines life processes at various levels, from molecular and cellular to organ systems and whole organisms. It seeks to understand how different parts of living things work together to maintain life. Integration: A central theme in physiology is the integration of different systems and processes within an organism. Physiologists study how various parts of the body communicate and cooperate to maintain homeostasis. Experimental Approach: Physiology is an experimental science that uses a range of techniques to investigate biological processes. This includes everything from molecular biology methods to whole-organism studies. Major Areas of Study: Physiology encompasses several specialized fields, including: - Human physiology - Animal physiology - Plant physiology - Cell physiology - Comparative physiology Each of these areas focuses on different aspects of life processes in various organisms. Importance of Physiology: Physiology plays a crucial role in: 1. Understanding normal body functions 2. Identifying what goes wrong in disease 2 3. Developing new treatments and health guidelines 4. Advancing our knowledge of how living things adapt to their environments. Foundations of Physiology: Physiology draws on several key disciplines: - Anatomy - Biochemistry - Biophysics - Genetics - Evolutionary biology
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