Homeostasis and Regulatory Pathways (Key Terms)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms related to homeostasis and regulatory pathways from the lecture notes.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment (not a static state) by sensing deviations and triggering responses through sensors, pathways, a control center, and effectors.

Sensor (receptor)

A sensor that detects changes in internal or external conditions, initiating a homeostatic response.

Afferent pathway

The neural pathway that carries signals from the sensor to the control center (toward the brain).

Integrator / Control Center

The processing unit (often the brain) that interprets incoming signals and decides what action is needed.

Efferent pathway

The neural pathway that carries signals from the control center to an effector (away from the brain).

Effector

The organ or tissue that carries out the response to restore homeostasis.

Stimulus

A detectable change in the internal or external environment that triggers a homeostatic response.

Basic needs (food, water, oxygen)

Fundamental requirements of life that influence the body's regulation and energy balance.

Homeostatic loop (sensor–afferent–control–efferent–effector)

The sequence in a feedback regulation: sensor detects change, afferent signals to the control center, control sends efferent commands to the effector, which produces the corrective response.