Physiology

Disorders in acid-base balance are commonly found in critically ill patients. Clinicians responsible for these patients need a clear understanding of acid-base pathophysiology in order to provide effective treatment for these disorders. Acid-base Disorders in Critical Care (Update 28, 2012) – December 21, 2012

The ANS can be thought of as the regulatory system that partly or wholly controls most of the body’s organ systems and homeostatic mechanisms. Its basic anatomy and physiology are described here.Autonomic Nervous System – Anatomy and Physiology – December 1, 2008

In this article the underlying physiology of water, sodium and potassium homeostasis are described with frequent reference to relevant clinical situations.Body Fluid Compartments, Sodium and Potassium – December 1, 2008

Calcium is an essential ion within the human body. The maintenance of a constant free ionised calcium concentration is biologically important for the function of excitable tissues. Abnormalities in serum calcium values may have profound effects on neurological, gastrointestinal and renal function.Calcium Homeostasis – December 1, 2004

This article describes the routes of transport of carbon dioxide around the body and their physiological effectsCarbon Dioxide Transport – December 1, 2008

This article aims to provide an overview of the physiology of the cardiovascular system and its response to anaesthesia. The next article in this section deals with myocardial physiology in greater detail.Cardiovascular Physiology – December 1, 2008

The normal adult skull can be considered as a bony box of fixed volume, containing brain, blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). An understanding of how these components interact is essential in managing normal patients under anaesthesia and those with intracranial pathology. These factors will be considered in two sections – cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure.Cerebral Blood Flow and Intracranial Pressure – December 1, 2008

This article discusses the basic physiology of the principal endocrine glands, the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands. Endocrine Physiology – December 1, 2008

This article describes the physiology of heat loss and heat conservation under anaesthesia.Heat Production and Loss – December 1, 2008

The liver has a unique anatomical structure essential to its diverse functions. This article gives an overview of the role of the liver in body metabolism, as well as its relevance to anaesthesia and critical care. Bilirubin metabolism and the causes of jaundice are described.Liver Physiology – December 1, 2008

This article describes in more detail the physiology of the cardiac action potentials (nodal and Purkinje cell), the mechanics of the cardiac cycle and the control of coronary artery perfusionMyocardial Physiology – December 1, 2008

The neuromuscular junction is made up of a motor neurone and a motor endplate with a synaptic cleft or junctional gap dividing them. It is critical in the production of skeletal muscle contraction. An understanding of the structure and physiology of the neuromuscular junction is essential for the safe use of muscle relaxant drugs used in anaesthesia and intensive care, and for understanding pathological states affecting the neuromuscular junction.Neuromuscular Junction Physiology – December 1, 2008

This article describes the processes by which we extract oxygen from the atmosphere, transport it to cells for utilisation in metabolic processes.Oxygen Delivery – December 1, 2008

Understanding pain physiology is very important in countering it. From what is known it is clear that pain perception involves transduction, transmission, and modulation. Both facilitators and inhibitors are involved. The body response to painful stimuli may be helpful or counter-productive. Better knowledge allows both artificial modulation of pain and suppression of harmful reflex response.Pain Physiology – December 1, 2008

Download – Pregnancy – Physiological Changes Physiological and anatomical alterations develop in many organ systems during the course of pregnancy and delivery. Early changes are due, in part, to the metabolic demands brought on by the fetus, placenta and uterus and to the increasing levels of pregnancy hormones. Later changes, starting in mid-pregnancy, are anatomical […]Pregnancy – Physiological Changes – December 1, 2008

The kidney has important roles in salt and water, acid-base, electrolyte and calcium homeostasis. These functions are described, including the role of the countercurrent multiplier and exchange systems of the loop of Henle. Where relevant, clinical examples are used to demonstrate the multiple roles of the kidney.Renal Physiology – December 1, 2008

This article covers the main areas of respiratory physiology that are important to anaesthetists. Examples relevant to anaesthesia and pathological states of the respiratory system are used when possible. Respiratory Physiology – December 1, 2008