External and internal Environment

Milieu Interior

The internal environment in organisms, completely closed off from the external environment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent internal state.

Homeostasis

The process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

Negative feedback

A mechanism for maintaining homeostasis that detects deviations from a set point and triggers counteracting responses.

Positive feedback

A less common mechanism that amplifies a change, moving the system further away from its set point, often involved in processes needing to be completed quickly.

Regulated variable

The aspect that is being controlled within a system, such as pH, glucose, or temperature.

Set Point

The normal or ideal value for a regulated variable, like a blood pH of 7.4.

Sensory Input

Mechanisms that sense the actual value of regulated variables.

Integrative Center

The location where the actual value and the set point are compared and adjustments are made.

Effector

Mechanisms that return the regulated variable toward its set point.

Buffer

Substances that resist changes in pH by accepting or donating hydrogen ions.

Acidosis

A condition caused by the loss of bases and accumulation of acids, resulting in a lower blood pH.

Alkalosis

A condition caused by accumulation of bases and loss of acids, resulting in a higher blood pH.

Hydrolyze an ATP molecule

A process contributing to low pH during high-intensity exercise.

Aerobic Metabolism of Glucose

A metabolic process that produces carbonic acid, decreasing pH and releasing hydrogen ions.

Anaerobic Metabolism of Glucose

A metabolic process that produces lactic acid, also decreasing pH and releasing hydrogen ions.

Supplements for Buffering

Nutritional aids like sodium bicarbonate that can enhance performance during intense exercise.

Bicarbonate

An important extracellular buffer that converts strong acids into weak acids to help maintain pH balance.

Muscle bicarbonate

A buffering agent in muscle tissue that helps manage acid-base balance during exercise.

Blood lactate testing

A method to indirectly assess blood pH changes based on the relationship between lactate and pH during intense exercise.

pH Scale

A scale ranging from 0 to 14 that measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.

Acid-Base Buffering

The mechanism that helps maintain the pH of blood by resisting changes in acidity or alkalinity.