Homeostasis And Response Flashcards
(125 cards)
What is homeostasis?
Maintaining a stable internal environment
Homeostasis is crucial for cell function and enzyme action.
Why is homeostasis important for cells?
Cells need the right conditions to function properly
This includes conditions necessary for enzyme activity.
What are the main components of automatic control systems in the body?
- Receptors
- Coordination centres
- Effectors
Coordination centres include the brain, spinal cord, and pancreas.
What role do receptors play in homeostasis?
Detect a stimulus (e.g., levels too high or too low)
Receptors initiate the feedback process.
What is the function of the coordination centre?
Receives and processes information, then organizes a response
It plays a critical role in regulating internal conditions.
What do effectors do in the homeostasis process?
Produce a response that counteracts the change and restores the optimum level
Effectors continue their response as long as stimulated by the coordination centre.
Fill in the blank: Homeostasis involves regulating conditions inside your body in response to changes in both _____ and _____ conditions.
[internal] and [external]
True or False: Homeostasis is a conscious process that requires active thought.
False
Homeostasis processes are automatic and occur without conscious thought.
How does negative feedback function in homeostasis?
Brings levels back to normal when they are too high or too low
Negative feedback involves a cycle of detection, processing, and response.
What happens if the level changes too much during the feedback process?
The receptor detects the change and negative feedback starts again
This prevents levels from straying too far from the ideal.
What is the primary function of the nervous system?
To detect and react to stimuli in the environment
This is essential for the survival of organisms.
What are the two main communication systems that evolved in multicellular organisms?
Nervous and hormonal communication systems
These systems allow for coordination among cells.
What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of in vertebrates?
The brain and spinal cord
In mammals, the CNS connects to the body via sensory and motor neurones.
What are sensory neurones responsible for?
Carrying information as electrical impulses from receptors to the CNS
They play a crucial role in detecting stimuli.
What do motor neurones do?
Carry electrical impulses from the CNS to effectors
They initiate responses in the body.
What are receptors?
Cells that detect stimuli
Examples include taste receptors on the tongue and sound receptors in the ears.
What are effectors?
Muscles and glands that respond to nervous impulses
They bring about changes in the body.
How do muscles respond to nervous impulses?
By contracting
This is a direct response to stimulation from the CNS.
What is the role of glands in response to nervous impulses?
Secreting hormones
This helps regulate various bodily functions.
What is the function of the CNS as a coordination center?
To receive information from receptors and coordinate a response
It decides what action to take based on the stimuli detected.
In the example of the bird spotting a cat, what is the initial stimulus?
The cat skulking towards the bird
This prompts the bird to react.
What happens after the receptors in the bird’s eye are stimulated?
Sensory neurones carry the information to the CNS
This initiates the response process.
What is the final outcome of the response in the bird example?
The bird flies away to safety
This is the result of muscle contraction in response to the stimulus.
True or False: Only large animals like mammals and birds have complex nervous systems.
True
Simple animals like jellyfish rely on reflex responses.