Homeostasis and Physiological Gradients

A collection of flashcards summarizing key terminology and concepts related to homeostasis and physiological gradients as discussed in the lecture notes.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining stable internal conditions in an organism.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that counteracts a change in regulated variables, helping to maintain homeostasis.

Set Point

The ideal value that a physiological parameter should be maintained at.

Dynamic Constancy

The condition where variables fluctuate around a set point while remaining stable on average.

Intrinsic Regulation

Regulation of organ function by cells within the organ itself.

Extrinsic Regulation

Regulation of organ function by signals from the brain or other organs.

Baroreceptors

Sensors that detect changes in blood pressure.

Osmoreceptors

Cells that sense changes in blood osmolarity.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone that promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Prolactin

Hormone released during breastfeeding that stimulates milk production.

Gradient

The difference in the concentration of a substance between two points.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy.

Active Transport

Movement of substances across a cell membrane using energy.

Electrical Gradient

A difference in electrical charge across a membrane.

Sodium Ions

Positively charged ions that flow down the electrical gradient.

Thermal Gradient

The difference in temperature between two points, causing heat to flow.

Pressure Gradient

The difference in pressure between two areas, influencing fluid movement.

Chemical Gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance, driving its movement.

Set Point of Blood Glucose

90 mg of glucose per 100 mL of blood.

Vaso-constriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to reduce blood flow.

Vaso-dilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow.

Homeostasis of Body Temperature

Normal body temperature is typically around 37 degrees Celsius.

Feedback Loop

A system where the output or result influences the initial process.

Positive Feedback

A process that reinforces a change or deviation from a set point.

Mechanoreceptors

Receptors that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion.

Effector

An organ or cell that acts in response to a stimulus.

Response

The outcome of an effector's action in a feedback system.

Stimulus

An event or change in the environment that triggers a response.

Integrating Center

The part of the system that processes information and makes decisions.

Dynamic Equilibrium

A state of balance between continuing processes.

Hormonal Regulation

Control of physiological processes through the release of hormones.

Set Point of Body Temperature

The temperature maintained by thermoregulation, around 37°C.

Self-amplifying Feedback

A feedback mechanism that enhances or increases a process.

Antagonistic Hormones

Hormones that have opposing effects on a physiological process.

Glycogen

The stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles.

Glucagon

Hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Insulin

Hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

Homeostasis of Blood Osmolarity

The maintenance of a stable level of solutes in the blood.

Thrmal Gradient Example

Heat flows from warm blood to cooler air.

Nervous System Regulation

Control of physiological processes through nerve impulses and signals.

Endocrine System Regulation

Control of physiological processes through hormone signaling.