Physiology is the scientific study of functions and mechanisms in a living system. As a sub-discipline of biology, physiology focuses on how organisms, organ systems, individual organs, cells, and biomolecules carry out the chemical and physical functions in a living system.
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Physiology is defined as the biological study of the functions of living organisms and their parts.
In psychology, the term "physiology" refers to the scientific study of the functions and processes of living organisms, including the study of how their bodies work and the underlying mechanisms that support these functions.
Physiology is an important field in psychology, as it provides a foundation for understanding the biological and physical basis of behavior, cognition, and emotional states. It is often closely related to other fields such as neuroscience, which focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system, and endocrinology, which focuses on the hormones and other chemical signaling molecules that regulate physiological processes.
Examples of how physiology might be relevant in psychology include:
- A psychologist might use knowledge of physiology to understand the impact of physical or biological factors on behavior, such as the effects of hormones on aggression or the role of the brain in learning and memory.
- A researcher might study the physiological mechanisms underlying different psychological states, such as the role of the brain in emotion or the effects of stress on the body.
- A therapist might use knowledge of physiology to inform treatment approaches, such as using relaxation techniques to reduce physiological arousal in anxiety disorders.
- A person might talk about their physiological responses to different stimuli or events as a way of describing their physical or emotional experiences.