5.1 Communication and Homeostasis Flashcards
Define homeostasis
maintaining a constant internal environment despite changes in internal and external factors.
What is the process?
stimulus -> receptor -> communication pathway -> effector -> response
Where can sensory receptors be?
- on body surface e.g. temp receptors on skin that monitor changes in external environment
- internal to monitor conditions inside body e.g. temp receptors in brain
what is the job of the communication system?
transmits a message from receptor cells to effectors via coord centre (usually brain)
What do the effector cells do?
- muscle/gland
- bring about a response
What is negative feedback?
- mechanism that reverses the change to bring the body back to optimum/within a narrow range
- as system gets closer to optimum, response is reduced
- conditions will never remain perfectly constant
What is positive feedback?
- mechanism that increases a change, taking the body further from the optimum/out of the range
What are some examples of positive feedback?
- neurones
- body temp too low = decreases enzyme activity = slower EXERGONIC reactions = less heat released = decreases activity more = downwards spiral
- cervix stretches = oxytocin released = inc contractions = stretches cervix more
What is a stimulus?
change in internal or external environment
What is a response?
a way in which the organism changes its behaviour or physiology
What are examples of conditions all living things need to maintain?
- suitable temperature
- suitable pH
- aqueous environment
- freedom from toxins
The activities of cells alter their own. ——– The accumulation of excess ——- or —— in this internal environment must act as a ——– to cause removal of these.
environment
wastes
toxins
stimulus
What is the composition of tissue blood maintained by?
the blood
Why is a multicellular organism more efficient? What is needed to ensure different parts of the body work effectively?
- cells are differentiated
- its cells are specialised to perform particular functions, then forming tissues and organs.
- communication system
What makes a good communication system?
- cover the whole body
- enable cells to communicate with each other
- enable specific communication
enable rapid communication - enable short and long term responses