A Practical Physiology: A Text-Book for Higher SchoolsBlaisdell, Albert F. (Albert Franklin)
Science
A Practical Physiology: A Text-Book for Higher Schools
Blaisdell, Albert F. (Albert Franklin)
Human physiology; Physiology
4. The Main Problems of Physiology briefly Stated. We shall learn in a
subsequent chapter that the living body is continually losing energy,
but by means of food is continually restoring its substance and
replenishing its stock of energy. A great deal of energy thus stored up
is utilized as mechanical work, the result of physical movements. We
shall learn later on that much of the energy which at last leaves the
body as heat, exists for a time within the organism in other forms than
heat, though eventually transformed into heat. Even a slight change in
the surroundings of the living body may rapidly, profoundly, and in
special ways affect not only the amount, but the kind of energy set
free. Thus the mere touch of a hair may lead to such a discharge of
energy, that a body previously at rest may be suddenly thrown into
violent convulsions. This is especially true in the case of tetanus, or
lockjaw.
The main problem we have to solve in the succeeding pages is to
ascertain how it is that our bodies can renew their substance and
replenish the energy which they are continually losing, and can,
according to the nature of their surroundings, vary not only the
amount, but the kind of energy which they set free.
5. Technical Terms Defined. All living organisms are studied usually
from two points of view: first, as to their form and structure; second,
as to the processes which go on within them. The science which treats
of all living organisms is called biology. It has naturally two
divisions,—morphology, which treats of the form and structure of living
beings, and physiology, which investigates their functions, or the
special work done in their vital processes.
The word anatomy, however, is usually employed instead of morphology.
It is derived from two Greek words, and means the science of
dissection. Human anatomy then deals with the form and structure of the
human body, and describes how the different parts and organs are
arranged, as revealed by observation, by dissection, and by the
microscope.
Histology is that part of anatomy which treats of the minute structure
of any part of the body, as shown by the microscope.
Human physiology describes the various processes that go on in the
human body in health. It treats of the work done by the various parts
of the body, and of the results of the harmonious action of the several
organs. Broadly speaking, physiology is the science which treats of
functions. By the word function is meant the special work which an
organ has to do. An organ is a part of the body which does a special
work. Thus the eye is the organ of sight, the stomach of digestion, and
the lungs of breathing.
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