Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms, definitions, indicators, and feedback mechanisms of homeostasis.

Homeostasis

A state of balance among all the body systems in humans that needs to be maintained for survival and proper functioning, despite changes in the internal or external environment.

Body Temperature

The measure of how hot or cold the body is, which must be kept stable at around $37^\text{C}$ for normal body functions.

Blood Glucose Level

The amount of sugar in the blood that provides energy for the body's cells and must be regulated to avoid being too high or too low.

Blood Pressure

The force of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels as the heart pumps, which stays within a normal range of about $120/80\,\text{mmHg}$.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels that occurs when the body gets too hot to cool down and increase heat loss.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing or tightening of blood vessels that occurs when the body temperature drops to conserve heat, or when blood pressure suddenly drops.

Insulin

A hormone released by the pancreas when blood glucose levels become too high, helping cells absorb glucose to lower blood sugar.

Glucagon

A hormone released by the pancreas when blood glucose levels drop, which raises blood sugar by releasing stored glucose into the blood.

Nervous System

The body system that detects changes such as heat or cold and sends signals to trigger responses like sweating, shivering, or moving away from danger.

Endocrine System

The body system that produces and releases hormones to regulate functions such as growth, energy use, and blood sugar levels.

Circulatory System

The body system that transports oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells throughout the body via blood.

Respiratory System

The body system responsible for taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide, such as breathing faster during exercise.

Excretory System

The body system, including the kidneys, that filters waste, excess water, and salts from the blood to be removed as urine.

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism that detects a change in internal conditions and activates responses that reverse those changes to restore balance and stability.

Positive Feedback

A control mechanism that increases or strengthens a response in the body, pushing a process forward until a specific event is completed.

Oxytocin

A hormone released during labor that amplifies uterine contractions through a positive feedback mechanism until childbirth is complete.