Physiology

Physiology literally means the study of nature. This broad topic spans the study of plants, animals, and humans. More specifically, physiology is concerned with how things function. This study of function can be on a molecular level or a gross level. Even though there are obvious differences between plant, animal, and human physiology, at a microscopic level, there are similarities. Often, one type of physiology can be used to better understand another.

Plant physiology has a number of unique aspects and important characteristics to apply in the field of agriculture. Some features unique to plants help us understand our environment. For example, we know the process of photosynthesis is how plants convert energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (the part of air we breathe out) into food. This process then produces oxygen, which is the air we breathe. By understanding this link, we can better appreciate the importance of our environment to our own health.

Moreover, understanding the function of plants is applicable to agriculture. In understanding how plants function, we can look for ways to alter the growth of plants in beneficial ways. Scientists have developed ways to increase crop resistance to disease and insects in order to increase crop yields.

Another area of physiology is animal physiology. This classification can include microorganisms as well as animals. The basic study of the function of microorganisms is termed microbial physiology. Microorganism physiology has additional subdivisions. For instance, some people study how microorganisms function as a group. Usually, this categorization of microorganisms is referred to as a community or biofilm. Therefore, this specialty is referred to as bio-film physiology.

The specific study of the microorganisms called bacteria is bacterial physiology. Other areas focus on how microorganisms function while interacting with other organisms. An example of this is microbe–host interactions and bacteria–host interactions. Each of these areas study how microorganisms interact with higher organisms such as humans.

The term animal physiology often refers to the study of how an animal's body functions. This research has several aspects. First, some people study how an animal's body operates, simply to gain a better understanding. In contrast, others study animal physiology to better grasp how everything is interconnected within our environment. In many instances, studies of how an animal's body functions are carried out for other reasons. Sometimes, we are using it to better understand our own physiology. Sometimes, researchers desire to determine how something can be improved as a food source. It is essential when animals are utilized as a food source that their immune system functioning be understood. In the event an animal becomes ill, a determination can be made as to what the results of the infection or disease will be. With this, effective treatments can be established. This is crucial to prevent contamination of the food supply.

Many research studies are conducted utilizing animals. Various animal physiology studies have helped medical progress. These inquiries have resulted in effective treatments for various diseases, such as rabies, anthrax, small pox, tetanus, and measles. Furthermore, animal physiology research has helped improve medical techniques. In the 1920s the use of animals helped in discovering the hormone insulin and its function in the body, particularly, as it relates to diabetes mellitus. This discovery has helped save countless people. Other medical research advances in the 20th century have been based upon the similarities animal physiology and human physiology. These outcomes have helped to develop the technique of cardiac catheterization, open heart surgery (i.e., heart transplantation, coronary artery bypass grafts), and cardiac pacemaker implantation. Appreciating and understanding the similarities between the physiology of animals and ourselves has led to numerous lifesaving advances in medicine.

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