Homeostasis Flashcards
Revise it! (18 cards)
What is homeostasis?
The process by which your body keeps its internal environment stable and balanced, even when the external environment changes.
Why is homeostasis essential?
Because your body’s cells can only function properly within a narrow range of conditions.
What is negative feedback?
A control system your body uses to maintain homeostasis, where a change triggers a response to reverse that change.
What is positive feedback?
When a change in the body causes more of the same change to happen, amplifying or increasing the response.
What is a feedback system?
A system in the body that helps maintain stable internal conditions, such as body temperature.
What can happen if a feedback system malfunctions?
It can fail to regulate heat properly, leading to hypothermia.
What is hypothermia?
A dangerous drop in core body temperature below 35°C or 95°F.
What are negative feedback loops?
Systems where the output is used to reduce or stop the activity that produced the output.
What is the stimulus-response sequence in body temperature regulation?
Stimulus - Sensor - Control - Effector - Response.
What triggers shivering during hypothermia?
Sensors in the skin and brain detect a drop in temperature.
What role does the hypothalamus play in temperature regulation?
It acts as the control center that triggers responses to regulate body temperature.
What are the responses triggered by the hypothalamus during hypothermia?
- Shivering (muscle activity to generate heat)
- Vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels to retain heat)
- Hormone release (like thyroxine or adrenaline to boost metabolism)
What is involved in glucose level regulation?
Homeostasis of blood glucose involves receptors, effectors, and responses to changes in glucose levels.
What do beta cells in the pancreas detect?
A rise in glucose levels.
What do beta cells do when they detect high glucose levels?
They send out insulin.
What is the effector’s role in glucose regulation?
Activates enzymes to convert glucose to glycogen.
Where is glycogen stored for future use?
In the liver and muscles.
What is the response after glucose levels are regulated?
Return to normal glucose levels.
