Physiology of Domestic Animals – Study Guide (Exam #1)

These flashcards cover core concepts related to the physiology of domestic animals, emphasizing homeostasis, thermoregulation, cellular structures, and signaling.

What is physiology?

The study of biological systems and how they differ from anatomy.

How do physiologists study biological systems?

By using scientific reasoning and methods.

Why are physiological principles important?

They help us understand animal health, welfare, productivity, and environmental adaptation.

What is homeostasis?

The regulation of physiological variables within narrow ranges essential for survival.

What is the historical significance of homeostasis?

It has developed over time as a crucial concept in understanding stability in biological systems.

Give an example of a physiological variable regulated by homeostasis.

Body temperature, blood glucose levels.

How do organisms maintain stability amidst challenges?

By regulating internal processes while responding to external conditions.

Differentiate between short-term responses and long-term cycles in physiology.

Short-term responses are immediate and variable, while long-term cycles are predictable and recurring.

What is the role of biological clocks in physiology?

They regulate physiological patterns according to time-based cycles.

How do environmental cues interact with internal regulatory mechanisms?

Environmental cues can trigger physiological responses that align with internal biological clocks.

What are the components of homeostatic control?

Receptors, control centers, and effectors.

What types of receptors exist for homeostasis?

Receptors can be classified based on their location and the type of stimulus they detect.

Describe how information flows through a regulatory pathway.

Information is sensed by receptors, processed by control centers, and actioned by effectors.

What is thermoregulation?

The process of maintaining body temperature within a narrow range.

Why is maintaining body temperature critical?

It is essential for the proper functioning of cellular processes.

Differentiate between endothermic and ectothermic animals.

Endothermic animals generate heat internally, while ectothermic animals rely on environmental heat.

What are some thermoregulatory strategies?

Behavioral adaptations, physiological adaptations, and anatomical features.

What factors influence metabolic heat production?

Body size, activity level, environmental temperature.

Under what conditions is metabolic rate measured?

Resting state, specific temperature, and post-absorptive state.

What are the major mechanisms of heat transfer?

Conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation.

Differentiate between heat loss mechanisms based on temperature gradients.

Some mechanisms work through gradients, while others do not depend on temperature differences.

How do environmental conditions affect heat transfer?

Conditions like humidity and temperature can enhance or hinder heat transfer effectiveness.

What strategies do animals use to manage heat load?

Behavioral changes and physiological adjustments such as sweating or panting.

Define thermal stress and thermal strain.

Thermal stress is the overall burden of temperature extremes, while thermal strain refers to the impact of those stresses on physiological functioning.

What are core components of most animal cells?

Nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane, organelles.

What distinguishes intracellular fluid from extracellular fluid?

Intracellular fluid is inside the cells, while extracellular fluid surrounds cells.

How does cell structure support function?

Specific structures are designed to facilitate particular cellular tasks.

What is the plasma membrane?

A selective barrier that regulates what enters and leaves the cell.

Describe the role of phospholipids in the plasma membrane.

They create a bilayer that is selectively permeable and influences membrane fluidity.

How do membrane proteins vary in function?

They can function in transport, signaling, adhesion, and enzymatic activity.

Why is protein structure important for membrane proteins?

The specific shape of a protein determines its function and interaction with other molecules.

What are microvilli and their function?

Finger-like projections that increase surface area for absorption in epithelial cells.

Define cilia and their role in cells.

Hair-like structures that facilitate movement and transport across cell surfaces.

What is the function of flagella?

Long, whip-like structures that aid in cellular movement.

What are pseudopods?

Temporary projections of the cell membrane used for movement and feeding in some cells.

What purpose do membrane-bound organelles serve?

They compartmentalize cellular functions.

What is the role of the nucleus in a cell?

To control genetic information and synthesize proteins.

What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Rough ER has ribosomes and synthesizes proteins, while smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis.

How does the Golgi apparatus function in cells?

It processes, packages, and directs cellular products to their destinations.

Describe lysosomes and their importance in cells.

They contain digestive enzymes crucial for breaking down waste products.

What are the multiple roles of mitochondria?

ATP production, regulating metabolism, and signaling.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton?

It provides structural support and aids in cell movement and division.

Why is regulated movement across membranes important for cells?

It maintains homeostasis and proper cellular function.

Differentiate between energy-requiring and passive transport processes.

Energy-requiring transport needs ATP, while passive transport relies on concentration gradients.

What influences molecular movement across membranes?

Concentration gradients, membrane permeability, and transport proteins.

How do transport proteins function in membranes?

They facilitate the movement of molecules across the membrane.

How do large molecules or particles move into and out of cells?

Through processes such as endocytosis and exocytosis.

Why must cells communicate?

To coordinate physiological functions and responses.

Differentiate between local, self-directed, and long-distance signaling.

Local signaling occurs nearby, self-directed affects the same cell, and long-distance signals travel through the body.

What stages are involved in cell signaling?

Reception, transduction, and response.

Why are receptor-ligand interactions specific?

The shape and chemical properties of receptors and ligands determine specificity.

What is the role of intracellular signaling molecules?

They amplify and diversify cellular responses to signals.

What are broad roles of proteins in physiology?

Structure, transport, catalysis, and signaling functions.

How does protein shape affect its function?

The specific three-dimensional structure of a protein determines its activity.

What factors can alter protein activity?

pH, temperature, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.