Chapter 33: The Animal Body - Basic Form and Function

These flashcards cover key concepts related to animal structure and function, homeostasis, tissue types, and bioenergetics.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a steady state or internal balance regardless of external environment.

Negative Feedback Loop

A mechanism of homeostasis where fluctuations above or below a set point trigger a response that returns the variable to the set point.

Positive Feedback Loop

A mechanism that amplifies a stimulus and does not usually contribute to homeostasis.

Bioenergetics

The overall flow and transformation of energy in an animal, determining food needs related to body size, activity, and environment.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The average amount of energy used by an organism in a non-active state.

Torpor

A physiological state with low activity and decreased metabolism, allowing for energy conservation.

Epithelial Tissues

Tissues that line cavities, open spaces, and surfaces of organs.

Connective Tissues

Tissues that connect different tissues, providing support and structure.

Muscle Tissues

Tissues responsible for generating movement, including skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle.

Nervous Tissues

Tissues that receive, process, and transmit information, consisting of neurons and glial cells.

Endothermic Animals

Animals that generate heat through metabolism, such as birds and mammals.

Ectothermic Animals

Animals that gain heat from external sources, including most invertebrates, fishes, and amphibians.

Acclimatization

The process by which an organism adjusts to changes in its external environment.