Homeostasis and Thermoregulation

Flashcards focusing on key concepts related to homeostasis and thermoregulation, including definitions, mechanisms, and physiological implications.

What is homeostasis?

The ability to maintain a constant internal environment at preset values despite fluctuations from the external environment.

What are some key homeostatic variables in humans?

Body temperature, blood pH, blood glucose concentration, and blood osmotic concentration.

What is the difference between negative and positive feedback in homeostasis?

Negative feedback returns homeostatic variables to the set point, while positive feedback amplifies stimuli, moving the system away from its starting state.

What role do insulin and glucagon play in blood glucose regulation?

Insulin lowers blood glucose levels, while glucagon raises them by promoting glucose release from liver stores.

What physiological changes are associated with type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes results from the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

List some mechanisms of thermoregulation in humans.

Vasodilation, vasoconstriction, shivering, sweating, and heat production by brown adipose tissue.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in thermoregulation?

The hypothalamus acts as the regulatory center that takes in information from thermoreceptors and initiates responses to regulate body temperature.

Explain how sweating reduces body temperature.

Sweating cools the body as the evaporation of sweat requires energy, which is taken from the body, lowering its temperature.

What is the consequence of high blood glucose levels, known as hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia can increase blood pressure and lead to symptoms associated with diabetes.

What is the glucose tolerance test?

It measures how quickly glucose is cleared from the blood and helps diagnose diabetes.