Homeostasis Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts, mechanisms, and examples related to homeostasis as discussed in the lecture.

What is homeostasis?

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

What does the prefix 'Homeo' mean?

Same.

What does 'Stasis' refer to in physiology?

Standing still.

What are the two types of regulation involved in homeostasis?

Intrinsic (autoregulation) and extrinsic regulation.

What is the role of a receptor in homeostasis?

It monitors the physiological environment and signals changes.

Definition of control center in homeostasis?

The component that processes the signal and sends instructions for a response.

What is the function of an effector in homeostasis?

Carries out the instructions sent by the control center.

Define negative feedback loop.

A process where the response of the effector reduces or stops the stimulus.

Example of a negative feedback loop in the human body.

Thermoregulation, where body temperature is brought back to normal.

What happens during a positive feedback loop?

The response of the effector increases the change of the stimulus.

Example of a positive feedback in human physiology.

The release of oxytocin during childbirth.

What is thermoregulation?

The process of maintaining body temperature within normal limits.

Primary organ system involved in thermoregulation?

Integumentary system.

What are the receptors for thermoregulation?

Body's temperature sensors.

What is the normal range of body temperature for homeostasis?

Between 36.7°C and 37.2°C.

What occurs when blood glucose levels are too high?

Insulin is released from the pancreas.

What does glucagon do?

It increases blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver.

Baroreceptors are located in which areas of the body?

Carotid sinus and aorta.

What happens when blood pressure falls?

Baroreceptors are stretched less, which sends impulses to increase cardiac output.

What is the effect of vasoconstriction?

It raises blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels.

How does the body respond to increased blood pressure?

By inhibiting the cardioacceleratory center and stimulating the cardioinhibitory center.

What is the physiological response to decreased blood pressure?

Increased cardiac output and vasoconstriction occur.

What is the term for the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment?

Homeostasis.

What type of physiology focuses on specific organs and their functions?

Special physiology.

What is systemic physiology?

The study of functions of an organ system.

What is pathological physiology?

The study of the effects of diseases on bodily functions.

What do intrinsic mechanisms refer to?

Automatic responses within cells, tissues, or organs.

The physiological definition of 'homeostasis' includes which elements?

Optimum chemicals, temperature, and pressure for survival.

What does the hypothalamus regulate in thermoregulation?

Body temperature.

What happens to blood vessels and sweat glands when body temperature rises?

Increased blood flow and increased sweating.

What is the role of the cardiovascular system in blood pressure regulation?

It responds to changes in blood pressure by adjusting cardiac output.

What signifies that homeostasis is disturbed?

When physiological parameters deviate from normal ranges.

How does the body restore homeostasis after body temperature increases?

By triggering sweating and increasing blood flow to the skin.

What are two types of physiological responses to stimuli?

Positive feedback and negative feedback.

What is the result of too low blood glucose levels?

Glucagon is released, promoting glucose release from the liver.

What process describes the body reacting to decrease blood pressure?

Baroreceptor reflex.

What happens during the baroreceptor reflex when blood pressure decreases?

Cardioacceleratory center is stimulated to raise blood pressure.

What is involved in the process of giving birth regarding homeostasis?

Release of oxytocin enhances contractions.

What aspects of physiology are integrated for maintaining a normal range?

Physiological systems interact with each other.

Why might an organism become ill?

When homeostasis is disturbed.

What defines the cellular level of organization in physiology?

Interactions within and between cells.

What level of organization involves tissues?

Tissue level.

What is the significance of the heart in maintaining homeostasis?

It pumps blood, facilitating nutrient delivery and waste removal.

What does the term 'thermoregulatory center' refer to?

The control center in the brain that regulates body temperature.

What is the primary aim of homeostasis?

To keep internal conditions stable despite external changes.

Why is the understanding of homeostasis crucial in physiology?

It helps in assessing how body systems function together to maintain life.

What does the study of physiology encompass?

The functions and processes of living organisms.