vital function

Examples of vital function in the following topics:

• Functions of the Diencephalon

  • Distinct parts of diencephalon perform numerous vital functions, from regulating wakefulness to controlling the autonomic nervous system.
  • The hypothalamus performs numerous vital functions (e.g., regulation of certain metabolic processes), most of which relate directly or indirectly to the regulation of visceral activities by way of other brain regions and the autonomic nervous system.
  • The epithalamus functions as a connection between the limbic system and other parts of the brain.
  • Some functions of its components include the secretion of melatonin by the pineal gland (involved in circadian rhythms) and regulation of motor pathways and emotions.

• Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

  • Example functions of the SNS include diverting blood flow away from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and increasing heart rate.
  • Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions typically function in opposition to each other.
  • The sympathetic division typically functions in actions requiring quick responses.
  • The parasympathetic division functions with actions that do not require immediate reaction.
  • More generally, these two systems should be seen as permanently modulating vital functions, in usually antagonistic fashion, to achieve homeostasis.

• Waste Management in Other Body Systems

  • These other systems are responsible for the elimination of the waste products of metabolism, as well as other liquid and gaseous wastes, but also provide other critical functions.
  • The liver has many vital functions, including a role in digestion, protein synthesis, and nutrient and vitamin storage.
  • The liver also plays an important function in the management of body waste.
  • Most notable the sweat glands remove a bit of excess water and salts, and also serve the function of cooling the body during thermoregulation.
  • This function is essentially important for regulating blood pH, since blood acidity is directly related to the concentration of carbon dioxide dissolved in carbonic acid in the blood stream.

• Autonomic Interactions

  • Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions typically function in opposition to each other.
  • The sympathetic division typically functions in actions requiring quick responses.
  • The parasympathetic division functions with actions that do not require immediate reaction.
  • More generally, these two systems should be seen as permanently modulating vital functions, usually in an antagonistic fashion, to achieve homeostasis.
  • Conversely, the PSNS promotes a rest-and-digest response, and promotes the following functions:

• Functions of the Brain Stem

  • The brainstem regulates vital cardiac and respiratory functions and acts as a vehicle for sensory information.
  • Diseases of the brainstem can result in abnormalities in cranial nerve function, leading to visual and hearing disturbances, changes in sensation, muscle weakness, vertigo, coordination problems, swallowing and speech difficulty, and voice changes.
  • The brain stem also plays an important role in the regulation of cardiac and respiratory function.
  • The brainstem has many basic functions, including regulation of heart rate, breathing, sleeping, and eating.
  • The brainstem also has integrative functions, including cardiovascular system control, respiratory control, pain sensitivity control, alertness, awareness, and consciousness.

• Liver Function

  • The liver is thought to be responsible for up to 500 separate functions.
  • The various functions of the liver are carried out by the liver cells or hepatocytes.
  • Currently, there is no artificial organ or device capable of emulating all the functions of the liver.
  • However, the overstressed liver of an alcoholic may become clogged with fats, adversely affecting liver function.
  • The liver, hepar, is a vital organ present in vertebratesand some other animals.

• Lung Capacity and Volume

  • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) may be used to help diagnose different pulmonary diseases.
  • The two most often used measurements are FVC (forced vital capacity) and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second).
  • Vital Capacity (VC) is the maximum amount of air that a person can exhale after inhaling as much air as possible.
  • The most widely used diagnostic application for lung capacities is the ratio between forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC).
  • Differentiate among tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, and vital capacity of lungs

• Sodium, Electrolytes, and Fluid Balance

  • Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body.
  • Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body.
  • They help regulate myocardial and neurological function, fluid balance, oxygen delivery, acid-base balance, and other biological processes.

• Limbic System

  • The limbic system makes up the inner border of the cortex and is vital for emotion, motivation, and memory.
  • It includes the hippocampus, amygdala, anterior thalamic nuclei, septum, limbic cortex, and fornix, and supports a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction.
  • The limbic system consists of various structures that each support distinctive brain functions.
  • Amygdala: Involved in signaling the cortex of motivationally-significant stimuli, such as those related to reward and fear, and in social functions, such as mating.
  • Cingulate gyrus: Conducts autonomic functions regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and cognitive and attentional processing

• Transcytosis

  • Due to the function of transcytosis, it can be a convenient mechanism by which pathogens can invade a tissue.
  • These examples illustrate that transcytosis is vital to the process of pathogenesis for a variety of infectious agents.