This unit introduces the basic principles of human physiology.
Signs – measurable and can be assessed
Symptom – felt by the client, subjective
● Both signs and symptoms inform hypothesis that is tested by collecting and analyzing data
(physiological or pathophysiological data)
Levels of organization: Atom/molecule, Cell, Tissue (2 or more tissue), Organ, Organ System (11 of
them), Organism (Individual Life Form)
Learn over the course the main 11 organ systems, the organs within them.
● Integumentary system – skin, hair, sweat glands, nails (protects from the environment,
regulates body temp, provides sensory info)
● Nervous system – will spend a lot of time on this. Brain, spinal cord, PNS, Sense organs.
○ Directs immediate response to stimulus
○ Coordinates or moderates other organ systems
○ Provides and interprets sensory information
● Endocrine system: Pituitary, Thyroid, Adrenal glands, Pancreas and Gonads **HER
FAVOURITE
○ Long term changes in the body – organ systems, metabolic activity, structural and
functional changes during development
● Cardiovascular System
○ Heart, blood, blood vessels (blood is actually part of the bone system.. or is it plasma
● Lymphatic system – spleen, thymus. Lymph vessels and nodes, Tonsils
○ Contributes significantly to gut microbiome
○ Influences the bone marrow
● Respiratory – nasal cavity, sinuses, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, alveoli
○ Warms air, filters, make sound
○ O2/CO2 exchange
● Digestive: teeth, tongue, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder,
pancreas
○ Digestion of food, absorption of nutrients and water, storage of energy (liver)
● Urinary/Renal system: kidney, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra
○ Waste removal and water balance, pH and blood iron concentrations
○ Store and excrete urine
● Reproductive System – male & female organ systems
○ Production of sex sells, support developing embryo/fetus/newborn
Not a lot of time on muscular system – movement, support, heat OR bone – bone, cartilages,
ligaments, bone marrow (support and protection, stores calcium etc, makes bone marrow)