Homeostasis Flashcards
What is the pH range of the body?
7.2-7.5
Why is the pH range of the body important?
If the pH changes too much it can denature proteins by causing conformational changes in their tertiary structure.
What is a good effect of lowering the pH in certain areas of the body?
It causes haemoglobin to release oxygen, therefore respiring cells have more oxygen.
What is homeostasis
The maintenance of an internal set of conditions at a set point despite external changes
Insulin vs Glucagon is an example of homeostasis loops interacting how?
Antagonistically
Why is there a set point of 37degrees for body temperature?
Proteins become denatured away from this set point.
What acts as a massive heat exchanger system for the body?
The capillary network
What is negative feedback?
Adjusting the behaviour in the opposite direction in order to maintain homeostasis
Why will the normal body temperature not always be 37degrees?
Oscillating/fluctuation occurs around the set point
At what temperature range would you be considered to have hypothermia?
34-36
At what temperature range would you be considered to have hyperthermia?
38-40
Why does temperature regulation become impaired if you body temperature gets too low/high?
The hypothalamus becomes affected (this especially affects the elderly as they are poor thermoregulators)
When may your body be able to preform outside of its normal homeostatic range?
When in demand e.g. From exercise producing a dynamic system performance
What is positive feedback?
When conditions go outside of normal range and the control system starts to deteriorate and so the condition carriers on away from the set point.
What is the first stage in homeostasis control systems?
Sensors detecting physiological changes and producing a signal in response
