Homeostasis and Feedback Systems

Flashcards covering key concepts related to homeostasis and feedback systems in the human body.

Homeostasis

State of steady internal conditions; the body's ability to keep the internal environment optimal when the external environment changes.

Negative Feedback

A feedback system that maintains homeostasis by detecting and counteracting deviations from desired conditions.

Control Variable (CV)

The physical/chemical property that needs to be controlled to maintain homeostasis.

Sensor

Monitors the control variable, usually consisting of receptors that pick up information and transmit it to the control center.

Control Center

Processes incoming information and takes appropriate actions, often consists of the hypothalamus.

Effector

Takes necessary actions to bring the imbalance back to normal, typically involving blood vessels or muscles.

Set Point

The desired level or normal range of a control variable in a feedback system.

Positive Feedback

Mechanisms that push the organism further out of homeostasis, often used in processes like childbirth to enhance or amplify a change.

Hypothalamus

The major control center for homeostasis, processes information regarding internal body conditions.

Thermoreceptors

Receptors that detect changes in temperature, playing a role in regulating body temperature.