Homeostasis and Physiological Feedback Mechanisms

Flashcards based on homeostasis, physiology, and various feedback mechanisms in the body.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living organisms.

Negative Feedback Loop

A process where the response of the effector reduces or stops the stimulus, helping to bring the body back into homeostasis.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process where the response of the effector increases the change of the stimulus, moving the body away from homeostasis.

Physiology

The branch of science that studies the functions and processes of living organisms.

Intrinsic Regulation

Automatic response within a cell, tissue, or organ to environmental changes.

Extrinsic Regulation

Responses controlled by the nervous and endocrine systems.

Receptor

A sensor that monitors the physiological environment and signals a change.

Control Centre

Processes signals from receptors and sends instructions for a response.

Effector

Carries out the instructions sent by the control center.

Baroreceptor reflex

A mechanism that helps regulate blood pressure through the detection of stretch in blood vessels.

Thermoregulation

The process by which the body maintains a stable internal temperature.