physiology
Definition
Physiology is the study of the functions of living organisms. It is a branch of biology that focuses on how the body works at the cellular, molecular, and systems levels.
Physiology is a broad field that covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Cellular physiology: The study of how cells function
- Molecular physiology: The study of how molecules interact to produce cellular functions
- Systems physiology: The study of how different systems in the body work together
- Environmental physiology: The study of how organisms adapt to their environment
- Evolutionary physiology: The study of how physiological traits have evolved over time
Physiology is a vital field of study that helps us understand how the body works and how it responds to changes in the environment. It is also important for developing new medical treatments and technologies.
How can the word be used?
I am interested in studying physiology because I want to learn more about how the human body works.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- physiology (the scientific study of the functions of living organisms).
- physiologist (a person who studies physiology).
Adjective:
- physiological (of or relating to physiology).
Etymology
The word "physiology" comes from the Greek words "physio" (meaning "nature") and "logos" (meaning "study").
The word "physiology" was first used in English in the 17th century. It was used to refer to the study of the functions of living organisms.
The root of the word "physiology" is the Greek word "phusis", which means "nature". The word "phusis" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *bʰuH-, which also means "nature".
So, the word "physiology" literally means "the study of nature". This is a reference to the fact that physiology is the study of the functions of living organisms, which are part of nature.
Question
What do you study in physiology?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the term "physiological adaptation" and provide examples of how organisms adapt to their environments. Describe how physiological adaptations enhance an organism's survival and reproduction in specific habitats.
Answer:
Physiological adaptation refers to the internal changes organisms undergo to better suit their environment and improve survival chances. These adaptations occur at the cellular or systemic level and enable organisms to thrive in their specific habitats.
Examples of physiological adaptations are diverse. In desert environments, some animals, like camels, have developed the ability to conserve water by producing concentrated urine and minimising water loss through sweat and respiration. Arctic animals, such as polar bears, have a thick layer of blubber to insulate against cold temperatures.
Plants also exhibit physiological adaptations. Xerophytes, like cacti, have specialised tissues to store water, enabling them to survive in arid regions. Aquatic plants have adapted to submerged habitats by having specialised tissues for absorbing nutrients from the water.
These physiological adaptations enhance an organism's survival and reproduction by increasing its fitness in its specific niches. They enable animals to regulate body temperature, find food, and conserve resources efficiently, thus maximising reproductive success. In plants, physiological adaptations help them acquire necessary nutrients, water, and sunlight, ensuring their growth and propagation.