Maintainng Dynamic Equalibrum Questions Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is homeostasis
Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.
Describe what a negative feedback loop is and give an example of when/where one is used in the human body.
A negative feedback loop reduces the effect of a stimulus; for example, insulin lowers blood sugar levels when they rise too high.
Describe what a positive feedback loop is and give an example of when/where one is used in the human body.
A positive feedback loop amplifies a response; for example, during childbirth, contractions increase as oxytocin levels rise.
What is metabolism? Is there a connection between metabolism and homeostasis?
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body, and it supports homeostasis by providing energy for maintaining internal balance.
What are endocrine glands?
Endocrine glands are organs that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
- What are exocrine glands?
Exocrine glands release their secretions through ducts to the outside of the body or into body cavities.
What are the two different types of hormones?
The two main types of hormones are steroid hormones and peptide (or protein) hormones.
What are the main endocrine glands? Briefly explain what each one does.
The main endocrine glands are the hypothalamus (controls pituitary), pituitary (master gland), thyroid (regulates metabolism), adrenal (responds to stress), pancreas (regulates blood sugar), and gonads (produce sex hormones).
What is type I diabetes?
Type I diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
What is type II diabetes?
Type II diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough.
How can diabetes be treated?
Diabetes can be treated with insulin injections, medication, diet, and exercise.
Name two other endocrine disorders besides diabetes and briefly describe each
Hyperthyroidism causes excessive thyroid hormone production, and Addison’s disease results in low production of adrenal hormones.
What is puberty?
Puberty is the stage of development when a person becomes capable of sexual reproduction.
Explain male sex cell development.
In males, sperm cells are produced in the testes through a process called spermatogenesis.
Explain female sex cell development.
In females, egg cells are produced in the ovaries during oogenesis and mature during the menstrual cycle.
What is the menstrual cycle? Briefly explain what happens in each of the four stages.
The menstrual cycle includes menstruation (shedding of uterine lining), follicular phase (egg matures), ovulation (egg is released), and luteal phase (uterus prepares for pregnancy).
What is gastrulation?
Gastrulation is the stage in early embryonic development when the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) form.
What is neurulation?
Neurulation is the formation of the neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord.
What is the purpose of the placenta?
The placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and removes waste.
Name the three stages of labor and childbirth.
The three stages are dilation of the cervix, delivery of the baby, and expulsion of the placenta.
Name and briefly describe the four factors affecting pregnancy we discussed in class.
The four factors are maternal age, nutrition, exposure to toxins, and prenatal care, all of which influence fetal development.
Name 5 methods of contraception.
Condoms, birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, and withdrawal method.
Name and briefly describe the three different types of neurons discussed in class.
Sensory neurons carry signals to the brain, motor neurons send signals to muscles, and interneurons connect neurons within the CNS.
Explain what an action potential is.
An action potential is an electrical signal that travels along a neuron when a threshold is reached.
