Bionic Bodies Focus 3 + 4

Homeostasis

The process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment.

Hormone

A chemical substance, carried via the bloodstream, which alters the activity of specific target organs.

Adrenaline

A hormone released by the adrenal gland that increases heart rate.

Gland

An organ that produces and releases hormones into the bloodstream.

Chemical molecules

The means through which the endocrine system communicates, as opposed to electrical impulses.

Electrical impulses

Signals used by the nervous system for rapid communication in the body.

Slower response

A characteristic of the endocrine system due to the time needed to produce hormones.

Long-lasting response

A characteristic of the endocrine system where effects continue as long as hormones are present.

Receptor

A structure that detects changes in the environment and initiates a response.

Command centre

The part of the body that processes information from receptors and directs responses.

Effector

The component that performs the response to stimuli in the stimulus response model.

Stimulus

A change in the environment that elicits a response from the body.

Negative feedback loop

A feedback mechanism that reverses a change and returns conditions to normal ranges.

Positive feedback loop

A feedback mechanism that amplifies changes and increases the stimulus until the process is complete.

Set point

The desired level or value that the body regulates internal conditions around.

Variability

The range of normal conditions maintained by homeostasis.

Stimulus response model

A model outlining the sequence: Stimulus > receptor > command centre > effector > response.

Balance

The state of equilibrium maintained by the body's systems.

Internal conditions

The physiological parameters within an organism's body that need regulation.

Reverses

The action taken by negative feedback loops to bring conditions back to normal.

Amplifies

The action taken by positive feedback loops to increase the change in the body.

Hormone destruction

The process by which hormones are broken down by the liver after use.

Childbirth contractions

Stimuli that trigger positive feedback loops and hormone release to facilitate delivery.

Feedback loops

Mechanisms used by the body to monitor and adjust internal conditions.

Safety harness analogy

A metaphor for how negative feedback loops work to restore normal conditions.

Maintain

To keep or preserve a certain state, such as homeostasis.

Regulate processes

The function of receptors, command centres, and effectors working together.

Stimulus detection

The recognition of changes in the environment by receptors.

Slower but longer-lasting

Describes the nature of responses elicited by the endocrine system compared to the nervous system.

Chemical signaling

The method of communication used by the endocrine system through hormones.

Heart rate increase

An effect of adrenaline on the heart.

Internal environment stability

The goal of homeostasis to keep conditions stable despite external changes.

Control centre

Another term for the command centre in the stimulus response pathway.

Environmental changes

The variations in conditions that require a response from the body.

Longer duration of effect

A characteristic of hormonal responses compared to nervous impulses.

Cools down response

The sweating response when the body is too hot, part of a negative feedback loop.

Stimuli triggering hormone release

Mechanism involved in positive feedback loops during childbirth.

Feedback mechanism

Process by which the body maintains homeostasis through feedback loops.

Chemical alteration

The action of hormones changing the activity of target organs.

Trace hormone journey

Describes how hormones travel from glands to target organs in the body.