Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

Flashcards covering key concepts related to homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, and body systems.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Dynamic equilibrium

A state in which a system is stable, yet constantly adjusting to changes in environment.

Negative feedback

A process that counteracts changes in a variable to bring it back to the set point.

Positive feedback

A process that amplifies changes, moving a system away from its set point.

Ectotherm

An organism that relies on external sources to regulate body temperature.

Endotherm

An organism that regulates its body temperature internally, maintaining a stable temperature.

Receptor

Cells or structures that detect changes in the environment and send information to the control center.

Control center

Part of the body that processes information received from receptors and determines the appropriate response.

Effector

An organ or cell that acts in response to signals from the control center to produce a change.

Blood glucose

The concentration of glucose in the blood, maintained within a specific range for optimal functioning.

Lactic acid

A byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, which can increase during intense exercise.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that regulates body temperature and various homeostatic processes.

Thermal regulation

The process by which the body maintains its internal temperature within a narrow range.

Sweat glands

Exocrine glands that produce sweat and help in cooling the body down.

Baroreceptors

Sensors that detect changes in blood pressure and send signals to the control center.

Oxytocin

A hormone released by the pituitary gland that triggers contractions during childbirth.

Gastrin

A hormone that stimulates gastric acid secretion in the stomach during digestion.