7.9 and 7.10B - Homeostasis and its Importance Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment.
Why is homeostasis important?
It is important to maintain enzyme action and all cell functions - including growth, replication, and controlled cell death.
What does homeostasis control in the human body?
Homeostasis controls blood glucose concentration, body temperature, and water levels.
What types of communication are involved in homeostasis?
Nervous and hormonal communication are involved in the automatic control systems.
What are the components of control systems in homeostasis?
Control systems have receptors, coordination centres, and effectors.
What are receptors in the context of homeostasis?
Receptors are cells that detect stimuli (changes in the environment).
What are coordination centres?
Coordination centres process the information received from the receptors, e.g., brain, spinal cord, and pancreas.
What are effectors?
Effectors bring about responses to bring the conditions in the body back to optimum levels, e.g., muscles or glands.
What is thermoregulation?
Thermoregulation is the act of keeping internal body temperature constant.
Why is maintaining body temperature important?
If the temperature exceeds the optimum level of 37 degrees Celsius, enzymes will gradually become less effective and eventually denature.
What is osmoregulation?
Osmoregulation is the act of keeping the concentration of the blood at a constant level.
What happens if blood becomes too dilute?
Water will move into cells by osmosis and they will swell, eventually bursting under the pressure.
What happens if blood becomes too concentrated?
Water will move out of cells and they will shrink.
Why is it vital for blood concentration to remain constant?
If blood concentration changes, cells cannot perform their function.
