Relating to the normal functioning of an organism or any of its parts, as opposed to pathological (diseased) or abnormal processes. It encompasses the chemical and physical processes involved in maintaining life, including the study of how the body works, its various systems, and how they interact. It is concerned with the mechanisms by which an organism maintains its internal environment (homeostasis) and responds to external stimuli. It often involves studying the interactions of cells, tissues, organs, and systems to understand how these processes contribute to the organism's overall health and well-being. Physiological functions include but are not limited to respiration, circulation, digestion, and excretion. Physiology is a cornerstone of biological and medical sciences.
Physiologic meaning with examples
- During intense exercise, the body exhibits a variety of physiologic responses. The heart rate increases, blood flow is directed towards the muscles, and breathing becomes more rapid to meet the heightened demand for oxygen and nutrients. These physiologic adaptations are crucial to sustaining energy production and preventing muscle fatigue during vigorous physical activity, illustrating the dynamic nature of the body's systems and their responses to environmental changes.
- The study of the sleep cycle reveals important physiologic rhythms. Sleep is characterized by specific changes in brain wave activity, hormone secretion, and muscle tone. Each stage, from light sleep to deep sleep, is associated with distinct physiologic functions, contributing to rest, repair, and memory consolidation. These illustrate the integrated physiologic mechanisms that underpin human well-being and the importance of regular sleep.
- Researchers investigating the impact of stress on the human body examine physiologic changes. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and suppress the immune system. Over time, these physiologic effects can have detrimental impacts on health, making it crucial to understand how the body reacts to psychological and social stressors and how to cope with these effectively.
- Nutritional deficiencies can lead to many significant physiologic problems. Insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals can disrupt metabolic pathways and compromise organ function. This may manifest as fatigue, impaired immune function, or problems with growth. Maintaining balanced nutrition is critical for supporting the physiologic processes needed to stay healthy and avoid negative impacts on the body.
- Pharmaceutical interventions often target specific physiologic mechanisms to treat illness. Drugs like insulin manage blood sugar levels. Other medications alter neurotransmitter activity in the brain to manage depression or other conditions. Understanding these interactions is vital for the safe and effective use of such medications. The precision of the treatments allows physicians to positively affect a patient's health.
Physiologic Synonyms
anatomical biological functional healthy natural normal organic systemicPhysiologic Antonyms
abnormal diseased dysfunctional non-biological pathologic unhealthyPhysiologic Crossword Answers
13 Letters
PHYSIOLOGICAL