Topic Hub
Systems Physiology
Integrated physiology across breath, circulation, autonomic and metabolic systems.
Episodes
The HPHR Library is growing
The first episodes on this topic are in preparation.
Every piece is written, reviewed and taught by Dr Emmanuel Frantzis, and published only when it meets the HPHR standard. New material is released continually — join the newsletter below to receive each release as it arrives.
Related Learning · Papers
HPHR Paper · Intermediate
Inflammation Changes More Than Pain
Inflammation has traditionally been viewed as a localized response to tissue injury. Contemporary neuroscience, however, has demonstrated that inflammatory activity extends far beyond injured tissues and participates in continuous communication with the nervous system. Through complex interactions involving immune mediators, glial cells, cytokines, and neural pathways, inflammation has the potential to influence nociceptive processing, neuroplasticity, and adaptive nervous system function. This paper examines the relationship between inflammation and the nervous system, reviews landmark developments in neuroimmune communication, and discusses why understanding persistent pain requires consideration of the broader physiological environment in which the nervous system operates.
HPHR Paper · Intermediate
What Is the Nervous System Trying to Protect?
Persistent pain is frequently investigated by identifying the tissue believed to be generating symptoms. While tissue pathology remains an essential component of clinical assessment, contemporary neuroscience suggests that persistent pain also reflects the behaviour of an adaptive nervous system continually evaluating information from multiple biological systems. Rather than asking only where symptoms originate, clinicians are increasingly encouraged to consider what information the nervous system is receiving and how that information influences adaptive protective responses. This paper synthesizes key concepts developed throughout modern pain neuroscience and explores how improved clinical reasoning begins with asking better questions.
HPHR Paper · Intermediate
How Your Brain Monitors the Body
Pain is often considered a response to injury arising from peripheral tissues. Contemporary neuroscience demonstrates that pain is interpreted within the broader physiological context of the body. Central to this process is interoception—the nervous system's ability to continuously monitor the body's internal state. The insula serves as a principal cortical hub for integrating information related to autonomic function, visceral sensation, emotion, salience, and pain. This paper examines the neurobiology of interoception, reviews the landmark contributions of Craig (2003; 2009)¹˒², and explores why understanding persistent pain requires consideration of the whole person rather than the painful body part alone.
Newsletter
Receive practical neuroscience and health restoration insights.