Human Physiology

Human physiology is a branch of natural science that deals with the functioning of the human body.

  • It includes various physiological activities like digestion, respiration, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and excretion, all of which occur in a coordinated way between various organs and systems.
  • Physiology includes the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical, and biochemical functioning of a healthy human body.
  • A normal human body works as a result of the regulated system of networking between different systems. These interactions work towards maintaining homeostasis.
  • The concept of homeostasis is important in human physiology as it explains that the internal environment of an organism moves in a direction to maintain an equilibrium.
  • In the human body, homeostasis is maintained at the system level with each system trying to maintain its homeostasis.
  • Human physiology, like human anatomy, describes the mechanisms from the molecular to the cellular level, integrating the working of the entire body.
  • Based on the information obtained via studies done on human physiology, it is understood that the cells, tissues, organs, and systems together work to maintain a healthy human body.
  • Besides, certain compounds or chemicals produced in the body like enzymes and hormones also aid in the process of human physiology.
    A slight change in the working of a single organ in the body might affect the working of the entire body overall.
  • Human physiology is closely related to human anatomy where the anatomy of an organ or tissue plays a significant role in the physiology of the said organ or tissue.
  • Human physiology is also interrelated with clinical medicine and microbiology where different microorganisms found within the body aid in different processes like bacteria in the gut producing acid and other enzymes that aid in digestion.
  • During the life cycle of humans, the body undergoes multiple changes which are influenced by changes in anatomy and changes in environmental factors. The physiology of the body thus adapts to such changes to maintain homeostasis.