Regulation of Temperature and Solutes

This flashcard set covers key vocabulary related to the regulation of temperature and solutes in animals, including definitions of important terms used in the lecture.

Diffusion

The net movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration due to random motion.

Osmoregulation

The control of solute concentrations and the balance of water gain and loss from the body.

Homeotherm

An animal that maintains a relatively constant body temperature regardless of external conditions.

Poikilotherm

An animal whose body temperature varies with the temperature of its environment.

Endotherm

An animal that relies primarily on internal metabolic processes to generate heat.

Ectotherm

An animal that primarily relies on external environmental conditions to regulate body temperature.

Vasoregulation

The regulation of blood vessel diameter to control blood flow and temperature.

Hyperosmotic solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration compared to another solution.

Hypoosmotic solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration compared to another solution.

Isoosmotic solution

A solution that has the same solute concentration as another solution.

Transport epithelia

Specialized epithelial cells that regulate the movement of solutes and water.

Countercurrent exchange

A mechanism that enhances efficiency by allowing the transfer of heat between fluids flowing in opposite directions.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen for transport.

Metabolic heat production

Heat generated by metabolic processes, often used by endotherms to maintain body temperature.

Insulation

Body structures, such as fur or fat, that help retain body heat.

Evaporative heat loss

The process by which heat is lost through the evaporation of water from moist surfaces, such as skin or respiratory surfaces.