Chapter 16: Homeostasis Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
Keeping a stable internal environment despite a fluctuating external environment - the regulation of conditions in the body
What is the difference between egestion and excretion?
Excretion is the removal of waste products of cell reactions, whereas egestion is the removal of waste material that has not been in cells.
How does your body respond to a high water concentration?
The hypothalamus detects the change and suppresses the production of ADH, and causes more urine to be produced.
How does your body respond to a low water cocnentration?
The hypothalamus detects the change and makes you feel thirsty, and by secreting ADH , which causes you to urinate less.
What is thermoregulation?
The ability to maintain a core temperature despite changes to the environment
What is the difference between hyperthermia and hypothermia?
Hypothermia means a low temperature; hyperthermia is a high temperature.
How does the skin react to a high body temperature?
Hairs lie flat, sweat glands open, blood vessels vasodilate, and you may undress/move into shade/rest.
How does your body react to a low body temperature?
Hairs are upright, sweat glands close, blood vessels vasconstrict, you shiver, increase in metabolic rate, and you may dress/move into sun/increase your activity.
How does your hair being upright help increase body temperature?
It traps a layer of air, which is a poor conductor, therefore reducing heat loss.
How does vasodilation help decrease your temperature?
It allows more blood to flow to the surface, so more heat is lost by radiation.
How does your body lower your blood glucose levels?
The pancreas detects the high blood glucose, and secretes insulin. Insulin binds to receptors on the liver and muscle cells to take up glucose and convert it into glycogen.
