Homeostasis

What is homeostasis?

A state of internal balance maintained by the body, even as the environment changes.

What are the three main components involved in homeostasis?

Receptors, control center (Hypothalamus), and effectors.

What is the role of receptors in homeostasis?

Sensors that detect changes or stimuli in the body.

What is the function of the control center in homeostasis?

It analyzes information from receptors, compares it to the set point, and determines a response.

What is the role of effectors in maintaining homeostasis?

Cells or organs that produce responses under the direction of the control center.

What is negative feedback?

A process that responds to reduce or stop an undesirable initial stimulus.

Can you give examples of negative feedback systems?

Body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

What is positive feedback?

A process that responds to enhance or continue the initial stimulus.

Can you give examples of positive feedback systems?

Childbirth, breastfeeding, and blood clotting.

What is the optimal body temperature for humans?

37 degrees Celsius, with a range of 35.8 to 38.2 degrees.

How does the body respond when temperature increases?

Thermoreceptors detect the change, the hypothalamus activates effectors which include vasodilation of blood vessels and sweat glands.

What happens to blood vessels in the skin when body temperature decreases?

They vasoconstrict, decreasing blood vessel diameter and conserving heat.

What initiates the positive feedback loop during childbirth?

The head of the fetus pressing on the cervix, causing stretch receptors to send a message to the brain.

What hormone is released during childbirth due to positive feedback?

Oxytocin.

What is the sequence of events in homeostatic response?

Stimulus --> receptors --> control center --> effectors --> response.

What effect does elevated body temperature have on enzymes?

It can destroy enzymes, which are vital for survival.

What is the response of skeletal muscles when body temperature decreases?

They shiver, producing heat to warm the body.