Human Physiology: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Human Physiology is branch of science that deals with the study of various organ systems present inside human body and how they function to ensure good health. The physiology of human body helps us to understand whether cells, organs and different systems are working fine and what sort of measures need to be taken to keep them in good shape. Students study various systems related to digestion, respiration, circulation, and excretion.

Human Physiology is a vast topic which includes everything from cellular level to organ systems. It is very important to identify the topics from Human Physiology for NEET preparation. Candidate should study these topics in details and make notes, This page enlists different NEET topics of Human Physiology so that candidates can prepare them well.

There are different NEET chapters in human physiology. Various chapters in human Physiology for NEET exam have been provided below:

• Breathing and Respiration: Respiratory organs in animals (recall only); Respiratory system in humans; Mechanism of breathing and its regulation in humans-Exchange of gases, transport of gases and regulation of respiration Respiratory volumes; Disorders related to respiration-Asthma, Emphysema, Occupational respiratory disorders.

• Body fluids and circulation: Composition of blood, blood groups, coagulation of blood; Composition of lymph and its function; Human circulatory system-Structure of human heart and blood vessels; Cardiac cycle, cardiac output, ECG, Double circulation; Regulation of cardiac activity; Disorders of circulatory system-Hypertension, Coronary artery disease, Angina pectoris, Heart failure.

• Excretory products and their elimination: Modes of excretion- Ammonotelism, ureotelism, uricotelism; Human excretory system-structure and function; Urine formation, Osmoregulation; Regulation of kidney function-Renin-angiotensin, Atrial Natriuretic Factor, ADH and Diabetes insipidus; Role of other organs in excretion; Disorders; Uraemia, Renal failure, Renal calculi, Nephritis; Dialysis and artificial kidney.

• Locomotion and Movement: Types of movement- ciliary, fiagellar, muscular; Skeletal muscle-contractile proteins and muscle contraction; Skeletal system and its functions (To be dealt with the relevant practical of Practical syllabus); Joints; Disorders of muscular and skeletal system-Myasthenia gravis, Tetany, Muscular dystrophy, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout.

• Neural control and coordination: Neuron and nerves; Nervous system in human central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and visceral nervous system; Generation and conduction of nerve impulse; Reflex action; Sense organs; Elementary structure and function of eye and ear.

• Chemical coordination and regulation: Endocrine glands and hormones; Human endocrine system Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Pineal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenal, Pancreas, Gonads; Mechanism of hormone action (Elementary Idea); Role of hormones as messengers and regulators, Hypo-and hyperactivity and related disorders (Common disorders e.g. Dwarfism, Acromegaly, Cretinism, goiter, exopthalmic goiter, diabetes, Addison’s disease). (Imp: Diseases and disorders mentioned above to be dealt in brief.)

• Digestion and absorption; Alimentary canal and digestive glands; Role of digestive enzymes and gastrointestinal hormones; Peristalsis, digestion, absorption and assimilation of proteins, carbohydrates and fats; Caloric value of proteins, carbohydrates and fats; Egestion; Nutritional and digestive disorders – PEM, indigestion, constipation, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhoea.
• Neural control and coordination: Reflex action; Sense organs; Elementary structure and function of eye and ear.

The weightage of this subject is 45% in the Zoology section in National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET). Candidates who prepare well can score 20-24 marks from this subject. Some preparation tips are given below:

• Prepare the basics from NCERT books followed by reference books
• Try to understand concept as it will help you to retain for a longer period
• Focus on diagrams like circulatory system, excretory system, respiratory system and others
• Solve previous years question paper and check the pattern of questions from Physiology subject

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