CHAPTER 1: CELLULAR AND ACID BASE PHYSIOLOGY This chapter focuses on normal cell physiology, normal acid-base physiology, and acid base disorders. The purpose of understanding cell physiology as an EMT-Paramedic is that cells are the building blocks of the body and make up every physiological response that happens in the body. An example of this is acid base disorders. The chapter discusses acid-base physiology and
disorders involving acids, bases, and the pH of the blood.
CELL PHYSIOLOGY The cell is both the structural and functional building block of the human body—and of life.
There are a hundred trillion cells in the human body that function differently, depending on the part of the body they are located. There are basic needs to all cells, namely oxygen, some type of energy source, and the removal of waste products. There are 200 subtypes of cells in the human body. Identical cells organized together are collectively called a “tissue.” Tissues organized for a common purpose are called and organ.
Organs do not have to have the same type of cell making them up. All physiological and biochemical processes, growth and development, and disease states can be attributed to abnormalities at the cellular level.
SPECIALIZED CELLS Cells of different tissues can be specialized in order to perform specific functions. These are some important specialized cells you should know about: A. Neurons—these are also referred to as nerve cells and are a part of the nervous system. Their purpose is to produce, process, and transmit information on a biochemical level.
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