Abstract
The core concept of flow down gradients is also a general model of how things, whether animate or inanimate, move in the physical world.
In this chapter, we present a conceptual framework of the core concept of flow down gradients. We provide a visual representation of the critical components that make up flow down gradients and provide definitions for all of the important terms that appear in the unpacking. We describe specific examples in which this core concept is applied in physiological systems. Finally, we discuss some of the aspects of this core concept that are known to be difficult for students to master.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Michael J, McFarland J (2011) The core principles (“big ideas”) of physiology: results of faculty surveys. Adv Physiol Educ 35:336–341
Michael JA, Wenderoth MP, Modell HI, Cliff W, Horwitz B, McHale P, Richardson D, Silverthorn D, Williams S, Whitescarver S (2002) Undergraduates’ understanding of cardiovascular phenomena. Adv Physiol Educ 26:72–84
Modell HI (2000) How to help students understand physiology? Emphasize general models. Adv Physiol Educ 23:101–107
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 The American Physiological Society
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Michael, J., Cliff, W., McFarland, J., Modell, H., Wright, A. (2017). The “Unpacked” Core Concept of Flow Down Gradients . In: The Core Concepts of Physiology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6909-8_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6909-8_6
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-6907-4
Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-6909-8
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)