PHYSIOLOGY

Physiological Principles for Health and Social Care



Physiological Principles for Health and Social Care

Task 1

1.1 Outline the main anatomical features of the human body and 1.2 Discuss how body systems interact to ensure the body functions and growth

Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system's primary anatomical structures include the heart, and blood vessels. The essential function of this system is the transportation of nutrients such as oxygen for the process of respiration. It also serves the role of removing toxic wastes such as carbon dioxide. Another purpose is protection from pathogens, achieved through a component of blood, the white blood cells (Busse, 2010). Furthermore, it acts as the first line of defense in blood loss, through specialized cells in the blood called platelets; this mechanism is Hemostasis (Taylor, 2013).

Figure 1 The Cardiovascular System

Source: http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/544/flashcards/666544/png/two_pumps1320107212642.png

Cardiovascular system also performs feedback regulation. For example, during fluctuation in environmental temperature, the cardiovascular system regulates the flow of blood to the surface of the skin to maintain body temperature (Taylor, 2013).

Nervous System

The major anatomical structures of the Nervous System include the nervous tissue, brain and spinal cord. The Nervous system is the most vital system of the human body to maintain a close link between all other systems (Taylor, 2013).

Figure 2 The Nervous System

Source: http://cnx.org/content/m46500/latest/1201_Overview_of_Nervous_System.jpg

Its chief functions are that of the sensory and motor activities of the body. Sensory receptors distributed in the body receive information from the external environment and pass them on to sensory neurons. The integration of these signals takes place in the central nervous system such as the brain and spinal cord. After the appropriate decision making, the motor neurons receive this information to stimulate the regulatory mechanisms. For example, when the skin touches a hot object, the sensory receptors respond to the temperature and send impulses to the spinal cord, which after processing instructs the hand to be withdrawn (Guyton and Hall, 2006, pp555-558).

Musculo-Skeletal System

The primary function of these systems is the efficient and precise movement of the body. The muscular system maintains the body's posture, by holding it in a specified position. By continuous contraction and relaxation, muscles also help in generating body heat (Hall, Provost-Craig and Rose, 2013, pp159-160).

Figure 3 The Musculoskeletal System

Source:http://www.merckmanuals.com/media/home/figures/MUS_musculoskeletal_system_a.gif

The skeletal system supports the body by providing a framework with the help of bones; these bones also protect the internal organs of the body. The skeletal system's functions also include hematopoiesis, which is the production of blood cells in the red bone marrow.The musculo-skeletal system also works for the growth and development of the body especially during fetal and early life development stages (Taylor, 2013).

Urinary System

The essential function of the urinary system is the excretion of waste products. For example, blood in the kidneys undergoes the process of filtration to remove all toxic wastes, producing a body fluid called urine for excretion (Guyton and Hall, 2006, p307).

Furthermore, the urinary system's significant role is in homeostasis, in close interaction with other systems including feedback regulation. The urinary system maintains the concentration of ions, water, pH etc ...