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Physiology is the study of how living organisms function

'''Physiology''' is the study of how living [[organism]]s function.

==Organ systems==

==Organ systems==

In physiology the various organs are grouped into systems based on their function. This makes it easier to understand how an organism works. More and more, however, we learn that the organs interface with one another in ways outside of the classic definitions of the systems. For example, the kidneys, generally thought of as being in the urinary system, are involved in producing hormones (endocrine system) that regulate blood pressure (circulatory system). The systems are: Circulatory, Immune/Lymphatic, Skeletal, Muscular, Digestive/Excretory, Endocrine, Respiratory, Reproductive, Nervous/Sensory, Integumentary, and Urinary. Not every physician or scientist uses the same groupings. For example, skeletal and muscular may be together, as the musculoskeletal system, and the reproductive and urinary system may be together, as the genitourinary system.

In physiology the various organs are grouped into systems based on their function. This makes it easier to understand how an organism works. More and more, however, we learn that the organs interface with one another in ways outside of the classic definitions of the systems. For example, the kidneys, generally thought of as being in the urinary system, are involved in producing hormones (endocrine system) that regulate blood pressure (circulatory system). The systems are: Circulatory, Immune/Lymphatic, Skeletal, Muscular, Digestive/Excretory, Endocrine, Respiratory, Reproductive, Nervous/Sensory, Integumentary, and [[Urinary]]. Not every [[physician]] or [[scientist]] uses the same groupings. For example, skeletal and muscular may be together, as the musculoskeletal system, and the reproductive and urinary system may be together, as the genitourinary system.

==Circulatory==

==Circulatory==

The circulatory system interface with the respiratory system to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body, thus supplying the organs with nutrients. The circulatory system consists of the heart and blood vessels. The heart is a special muscle which constantly and automatically pumps blood through the blodo vessels.  The blood vessels consist of arteries, arterioles (smaller arteries), capillaries, venules (small veins), and veins. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, whereas veins carry blood to the heart. Normally arteries carry oxygenated blood and the veins normally carry oxygen-poor blood, but this is not always the case, as with the pulmonary arteries and veins which carry blood back and forth between the heart and lungs. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels and are where oxygen exchange between blood and organs takes place.

The circulatory system interface with the respiratory system to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body, thus supplying the organs with nutrients. The circulatory system consists of the heart and blood vessels. The heart is a special muscle which constantly and automatically pumps blood through the blodo vessels.  The blood vessels consist of arteries, arterioles (smaller arteries), capillaries, venules (small veins), and veins. [[Arterie]]s carry [[blood]] away from the heart, whereas veins carry blood to the heart. Normally arteries carry oxygenated blood and the veins normally carry oxygen-poor blood, but this is not always the case, as with the pulmonary arteries and veins which carry blood back and forth between the heart and lungs. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels and are where oxygen exchange between blood and organs takes place.

==Immune and Lymphatic==

==Immune and Lymphatic==

==Muscular==

==Muscular==

Consists of over 600 named muscles<ref>Stoppard, 1988.</ref>. Muscles are classified into three types: smooth or involuntary, striated or voluntary, and cardiac.

Consists of over 600 named muscles<ref>Stoppard, 1988.</ref>. [[Muscle]]s are classified into three types: smooth or involuntary, striated or voluntary, and cardiac.

*''Smooth muscle'' is found in the linings of arteries, in the lining of the digestive system, and in various organs. Smooth muscle is also called "involuntary" muscle.

*''Smooth muscle'' is found in the linings of arteries, in the lining of the digestive system, and in various organs. Smooth muscle is also called "involuntary" muscle.