Chapter 1-6 Notes: Homeostasis and Senses

Flashcards covering the core concepts of homeostasis, sensory input, feedback mechanisms, and glucose regulation from the lecture notes.

What is homeostasis?

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

What are the primary sensors involved in monitoring the internal and external environment for homeostasis?

Vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch (the senses).

What are the main components of a basic negative feedback loop in homeostasis?

Receptors detect changes, the control center processes information, and effectors (muscles or organs) enact responses to return to the normal range.

What is the difference between internal sensors and external sensors in homeostasis?

Internal sensors monitor internal conditions and set points; external sensors assess external stimuli and can operate over a wider range with less precision.

What is the role of negative and positive feedback in homeostasis?

Negative feedback reduces the stimulus to return to the set point; positive feedback amplifies the stimulus.

How do thermal receptors and the hypothalamus contribute to temperature regulation?

Thermal receptors in the skin sense temperature; the hypothalamus coordinates responses such as sweating or shivering to maintain normal body temperature.

What are osmoreceptors and what do they regulate?

Osmoreceptors detect changes in blood osmolarity to regulate fluid balance and trigger thirst.

Which receptors detect changes in blood pressure and how do they respond?

Baroreceptors sense stretch in blood vessel walls and signal the brain to adjust heart rate and vascular tone to regulate blood pressure.

What is the role of insulin in blood glucose regulation?

Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake of glucose into cells and its storage/utilization.

What is the role of glucagon in blood glucose regulation?

Glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating liver glycogenolysis and glucose release into the bloodstream.

What is the typical blood glucose range mentioned for non-diabetic individuals?

About 70-130 mg/dL; should not exceed 180 mg/dL.

What is the role of glucose in cellular energy production?

Glucose is a monosaccharide used in cellular respiration to generate ATP for cellular processes.

How does the pancreas contribute to glucose regulation?

The pancreas secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.

What is the role of chemoreceptors in respiration?

Chemoreceptors monitor levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide; imbalances trigger adjustments in breathing to maintain gas exchange.

How do vision and hearing relate to threat detection and stress responses?

They help detect threats or changes in the environment, triggering appropriate responses such as the fight-or-flight response.

What is the function of hypothalamic osmoreceptors?

They detect changes in blood osmolarity and regulate thirst and water balance.

What is the function of taste and smell in homeostasis?

They help assess nutrient quality and influence food intake to support energy balance.

What is the role of the control center in the homeostatic loop?

The brain integrates sensory information and coordinates responses via effectors.

What do receptors do in the context of homeostasis?

Receptors monitor stimuli (e.g., temperature, osmolarity, pressure) and relay information to the brain to initiate responses.

What is the function of effector organs in homeostasis?

Effectors (muscles or glands) enact the response to restore or maintain the body's internal conditions.