Homeostasis, neg & pos fbl. exam #1 study guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering homeostasis, feedback loops, and the childbirth example from the notes.

Homeostasis

The regulation of internal conditions to maintain a stable environment despite changes outside the body.

Stimulus

A change in the environment that disrupts homeostasis.

Receptor

A sensor that detects the change and sends input to the control center.

Control Center

Processes information, compares it to the set point, and decides how to respond.

Set Point

The normal or desired value that the system tries to maintain.

Effector

An organ or cell that carries out the control center's instructions.

Response

The action produced by effectors that helps restore homeostasis.

Negative Feedback Loop

A regulatory loop that stabilizes the system and returns conditions toward the set point.

Positive Feedback Loop

A regulatory loop that amplifies a change, driving conditions away from the set point until interrupted (as in childbirth).

Hypothalamus

A brain region that acts as the control center for thermoregulation.

Sweat

A fluid produced by sweat glands that evaporates to cool the body.

Body Temperature Regulation

The process by which core temperature is maintained through sensors, hypothalamic control, and responses like sweating.

Oxytocin

A hormone released from the pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that dilates during labor; it is stretched by the baby's head and triggers signals.

Pituitary Gland

An endocrine gland that releases oxytocin in response to brain signals during childbirth.

Uterine Contractions

Muscle contractions of the uterus driven by oxytocin that help push the baby through the birth canal.

Positive Feedback in Childbirth

The cycle where cervical stretching leads to more oxytocin release, causing stronger contractions until the baby is born.