Homeostasis and Cellular Processes

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to homeostasis and cellular processes.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment within the body.

Receptor

A component of homeostasis that detects changes in the environment and sends information to the control center.

Control Center

The part of the homeostatic mechanism that analyzes input from receptors and determines the appropriate response.

Effector

The component that carries out the response to restore homeostasis.

Afferent pathway

The route along which information travels from the receptor to the control center.

Efferent pathway

The route along which information travels from the control center to the effector.

Negative feedback

A control mechanism in which an increase in the output of a system prevents further output, helping to stabilize a system.

Positive feedback

A control mechanism that enhances or reinforces the output or stimulus, often leading to a greater response.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining an optimal internal body temperature.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A high-energy molecule that provides energy for cellular activities.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The net movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Hypertonic solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than inside the cell, causing the cell to lose water.

Hypotonic solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes than inside the cell, causing the cell to gain water and potentially burst.

Isotonic solution

A solution with the same concentration of solutes as inside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Electrolytes

Ions that affect metabolic processes in the body, such as sodium and potassium.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions that occur in the body to maintain life.

Anabolism

The process of building complex molecules from simpler ones.

Catabolism

The process of breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones.

Plasma membrane

A semipermeable membrane that surrounds the cell, regulating the movement of substances in and out.

Vesicular transport

A method of transporting large molecules into or out of a cell via vesicles.

Endocytosis

The process of taking in substances by vesicle formation.

Exocytosis

The process of expelling substances from a cell by vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane.