Definition of Physiology
- From the Greek word for the study of nature
- Is the study of the functions
of the anatomical structures.
Homeostasis
- This is defined as the state of relative stability of the
body's internal environment against the constant changes
of the outside environment.
- Within certain limits, homeostasis is maintained by
adaptive changes occurring in the internal milieu. These
changes are controlled through local and central nervous
stimulation as well as local and 'distant ' release of
chemical substances - hormones.
Composition of the Human Body
The human body is made up of :
Of the water, 63% is present within the cell (intracellular
fluid) whilst 37% is found in the extracellular space.
