The issue of the content of physiology as science, its methods, directions of modern physiology, and its place in the system of life sciences is discussed. Structure of the system of regulations, the role of endocrine system and autacoids in particular, and physiological significance of homeostasis are analyzed in detail. Problems are considered concerning the applied significance of physiology, interaction of universities and research institutions, organization ofphysiological studies in Russia. Data on members in the regional divisions of Pavlov Physiological Society are presented.