CELLBIO 451 Introduction to Human Physiology

This document offers an in-depth exploration of the reproductive systems, focusing on anatomical and physiological aspects that govern sexual development, fertility, and hormonal regulation in both males and females. It begins by detailing the male reproductive system, elucidating the processes involved in sperm production and hormonal regulation through the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis. The document describes the "Seven Steps" of sexual differentiation, explaining the genetic and hormona...

This document provides a detailed examination of the endocrine system, particularly focusing on the hypothalamus-pituitary axes and their role in hormone regulation. It begins with an exploration of the pituitary gland, describing its anatomical structure, development, and the complex interactions between its anterior and posterior segments with the hypothalamus. The text elaborates on the hormonal pathways, including the synthesis, release, and action of hormones like growth hormone (GH), thyro...

This document thoroughly explores the structure and function of various muscle types within the human body, focusing on their mechanisms of contraction and regulation. It details the differences and shared characteristics among skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles, emphasizing their unique structural features, control mechanisms, and functional roles. For skeletal muscle, the document delves into the sarcomere structure, the fundamental unit of muscle contraction, explaining the sliding fila...

This document provides an extensive exploration of the senses and the somatic nervous system, detailing how the body perceives and processes various stimuli from the environment. It begins with an overview of sensory systems, focusing on how sensory information is received through afferent pathways and processed in the central nervous system (CNS). Key sensory modalities discussed include touch, proprioception, pain, temperature, and vision, with an in-depth look at the structure and function of...

This document offers an in-depth exploration of the nervous system, focusing on its structure, function, and the key components involved in neural communication. It begins with an overview of neuron types and glial cells, detailing their roles in supporting and insulating nerve cells. The document elaborates on the electrical properties of neurons, including membrane potentials, the dynamics of sodium and potassium, and how these ions contribute to the generation and propagation of action potent...