|
Physiology is the study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of living organisms.
Physiology has classically been divided into plant physiology
and animal physiology.
The field of animal physiology extends the tools and methods of human physiology to non-human animal species. Plant physiology
also borrows techniques from both fields. Its scope of subjects is at least as diverse as the tree of life itself. Due to this diversity of subjects, research in animal physiology tends to concentrate on
understanding how physiological traits changed throughout the evolutionary history of animals.
Other major branches of scientific study that have grown out of physiology research include biochemistry, biophysics, biomechanics, and pharmacology.
History
Anatomist William
Harvey described blood circulation in the 17th century, providing the
beginning of experimental physiology.
Areas of physiology
Physiology has several independent subdivisions. Electrophysiology deals with the operation of nerves and muscles; neurophysiology concerns
the physiology of brains and cell physiology addresses the
functioning of individual cells.
Physiology also has many related and allied fields: Ecophysiology tries to undertand how physiological traits affect the ecology of a given animal or plant and vice-versa. Genetics is not
the only factor that affects the physiology of animals and plants. Environmental strains wreak havoc on eukaryotic organisms
as well. For organisms that do not dwell in aquatic habitats, water must be stored within their cellular environments. In organisms such as these,
dehydration becomes a major issue.
Dehydration in humans can occur during elevated physical activity. Within
the field of exercise physiology, studies have been conducted
that show the effects of dehydration on homeostasis.
Topics
See also
|