Homeostasis: Homeostasis and response: Biology: GCSE (9:1)

Homeostasis

The regulation of conditions in a cell or organism in order to optimally respond to internal and external changes

Internal change

A change in conditions that occurs within a cell or organism

External change

A change in conditions that occurs outside of a cell or organism

Regulation

To control or maintain conditions so that they work at their optimum rate

Optimal conditions

The specific conditions that enables enzymes and cells to function at their best

Nervous response

An electrochemical response brought about by nerve cells

Chemical response

A chemical response brought about by hormones

Blood glucose level

The blood sugar level in the body which is controlled by homeostasis to regulate respiration and metabolism

Body temperature

The amount of heat in the body which is controlled by homeostasis to ensure enzymes function properly

Water level

The amount of water in the body which is controlled by homeostasis to regulate conditions for osmosis

Automatic control system

A control system that operates without human intervention

Receptor

Cells that detect stimuli

Stimuli

Changes in the environment

Coordination centre

Brain, spinal cord and pancreas that receive and process information from receptors

Effectors

Muscles or glands which bring about responses to restore optimum levels

Hormone

A chemical produced by the endocrine system which carries messages