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physiology

Definition

Physiology is the study of how the human body functions, encompassing everything from cellular processes to the mechanics of whole organs. It examines both normal bodily functions and the changes that occur during disease.

Analogy

Imagine the body as a highly efficient factory where each department (organ) has its specific job, workers (cells) have their unique tasks, and the overall goal is to produce a healthy life. Just like a factory manager needs to understand how each department works together to improve efficiency and solve problems, physiology helps us understand how different parts of the body work together to maintain health and address diseases.

Related terms

Homeostasis: The regulation of internal conditions within cells or organisms to maintain stable, life-supporting conditions.

Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that convert food into energy, build and repair tissues, and remove waste products.

Pathophysiology: The study of how normal physiological processes are altered by disease