Canadian Medical Guide > Biological Sciences > Physiological Processes Terms and Definitions

Physiological Processes

Medical Definition:	The functions of living organisms and their parts, and the physical and chemical factors and processes involved. (From Dorland, 28th ed, p1290)
Guide Notes:	GEN or unspecified; prefer specifics; differentiate from PHYSIOLOGY, the specialty or discipline; DF: PHYSIOL PROCESSES

Physiological Processes Categories.

	Aging - The gradual irreversible changes in structure and function of an organism that occur as a result of the passage of time.
	Chronobiology - The study of biological systems as affected by time. Aging, biological rhythms, and cyclic phenomena are included. Statistical, computer-aided mathematical procedures are used to describe, in mathematical terminology, various biological functions over time.
	Fluid Shifts - Translocation of body fluids. Shifts from the lower body to the upper part of the body occur under conditions of actual and simulated weightlessness and have the effect of reducing the total body water content and producing a temporary hypovolemic state. Shifts are also seen following hemodialysis and are caused by electrolyte imbalances. (From Nicogossian, Space Physiology and Medicine, 2d ed, p151)
	Growth and Embryonic Development - Developmental processes from cell division to embryogenesis to postnatal growth and maturity.
	Homeostasis - The processes whereby the internal environment of an organism tends to remain balanced and stable.
	Tensile Strength - The maximum stress a material subjected to a stretching load can withstand without tearing. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 5th ed, p2001)

Physiological Processes Medical Definitions and Terms

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