D3.3 Homeostasis

Brown Adipose Tissue

A type of fat tissue that generates heat through non-shivering thermogenesis, primarily found in newborns and hibernating mammals.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak attractions between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom, crucial in the properties of water and biological molecules.

Polar Molecule

A molecule with significant differences in electronegativity between its atoms, resulting in partial positive and negative charges.

Latent Heat of Vaporization

The energy required to convert a unit mass of a substance from liquid to gas at constant temperature and pressure.

Kidney

A vital organ that filters blood, removes waste products, and regulates electrolyte balance and fluid volume.

Excretion

The process of eliminating waste products from the body to maintain homeostasis.

Osmoregulation

The physiological process by which organisms regulate water and solute balance in body fluids.

Osmotic Concentration

The concentration of solutes in a solution determining water movement across membranes.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney that filters blood and forms urine.

Glomerulus

A network of capillaries within the nephron where ultrafiltration occurs.

Bowman’s Capsule

A cup-shaped structure that encloses the glomerulus, collecting filtrate from ultrafiltration.

Proximal Convoluted Tubule

The nephron segment where reabsorption of water, ions, and nutrients predominantly occurs.

Loop of Henle

A U-shaped nephron portion crucial for urine concentration and water reabsorption regulation.

Distal Convoluted Tubule

The nephron segment that adjusts electrolyte and fluid balance following the loop of Henle.

Collecting Duct

The duct system receiving urine from multiple nephrons, finalizing urine concentration.

Ultrafiltration

The kidney process where blood pressure forces water and small solutes out of blood into Bowman’s capsule.

Glomerular Filtrate

The liquid passing from blood into Bowman’s capsule during ultrafiltration, containing water and solutes.

Selective Absorption

The reabsorption of certain molecules and ions into the bloodstream from renal tubules.

Osmosis

The passive movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane from lower to higher solute concentration.

Active Transport

The energy-dependent movement of ions or molecules across a membrane against their concentration gradient.

Microvilli

Tiny, finger-like projections on epithelial cells that increase surface area for absorption.

Osmoreceptors

Specialized cells detecting changes in osmotic pressure, vital for body fluid regulation.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone promoting water reabsorption in kidneys, reducing urine output to maintain fluid balance.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system managing the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system promoting 'rest and digest' activities.