Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms Lecture

These flashcards cover key concepts related to homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, and anatomical terms discussed in the lecture.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that counteracts a change in a controlled condition, helping to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that enhances or increases changes in a controlled condition.

Stimulus

A change in the environment that prompts a response.

Peritoneal cavity

The space between the visceral and parietal peritoneum that contains the abdominal organs.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneal cavity, which can lead to serious complications.

Mesentery

A double layer of peritoneum that anchors the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating its uptake into cells.

Labor contractions

Involuntary muscle contractions that help in childbirth.

Blood clotting

A positive feedback mechanism that prevents excessive bleeding by forming a clot.

Protein digestion

The process by which proteins are broken down into amino acids.

Generation of nerve signals

The process by which nerve cells transmit impulses.