Homeostasis in Biology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to homeostasis and its regulatory mechanisms.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a constant internal environment.

Stimulus

A change in the internal environment or a deviation from the norm (set point).

Receptor

A detector that recognizes a stimulus and relays the information to the control center.

Control Center

The part where information is compared to the reference point and responses are initiated.

Corrective Mechanism

An initiated response by the control center that counteracts changes to return to the norm.

Negative Feedback

A process that reduces further corrective action of the control system once the norm has been restored.

Positive Feedback

A process that reinforces deviation from the norm, leading to an amplified response.

Islets of Langerhans

Clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose concentration by promoting glucose uptake and storage.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood glucose concentration by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

A condition where the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin due to an autoimmune attack.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A condition characterized by insulin resistance and typically linked to obesity and lifestyle factors.

Hypothalamus

The brain region that regulates body temperature and responds to signals about heat loss or gain.

Sweating

The process where sweat is released to cool the body through evaporation.

Shivering

Rapid muscle contractions to generate heat when body temperature is low.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow to the skin and enhance heat loss.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to decrease blood flow to the skin and reduce heat loss.