Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms in Physiology

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to homeostasis and feedback mechanisms in physiology.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a relatively stable internal environment despite changes in external surroundings.

Set point

The normal value for a controlled variable in a homeostatic control system.

Sensor

A component that monitors a particular variable in the homeostatic control system.

Integrator

The part of the homeostatic control system that compares signals from the sensor to the set point.

Effector

A component of the homeostatic control system that compensates for deviations between the actual value and the set point.

Negative feedback

A key feature of homeostasis where the variable being regulated brings about responses that move the variable in the opposite direction.

Positive feedback

A process that accelerates change in the same direction, contrary to the principle of homeostasis.

Feedforward regulation

A process where the body begins preparing for a change in some variable before it occurs.

Paracrine signaling

Local chemical signaling where molecules are released into interstitial fluid to act on nearby cells.

Endocrine system

The system of glands that secrete hormones into the blood to act on distant cells.