Each individual is composed of one or more minimal living units, called cells, and is capable of transformation of carbon-based and other compounds (metabolism), growth, and participation in reproductive acts
The study of function of living bodies and their parts
Central to physiological functioning are biophysical, biochemical, homeostatic and cell-cell communication processes
The survival of the organism depends on the integrated activity of all the organ systems, often coordinated by the endocrine and nervous systems (to maintain homeostasis)
Chronically elevated allostatic load can lead to serious adverse health outcomes, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders