Homeostasis and Hormonal Control

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to homeostasis and hormonal regulation from the lecture.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a functional internal environment despite changes in internal and external conditions.

Water intoxication

A condition that occurs from excessive water intake, leading to electrolyte imbalances.

Set point

The desired level of a physiological variable that the body attempts to maintain.

Regulatory system

The system in the body that controls and regulates physiological processes.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a more dilute concentration to a less dilute concentration.

Osmoregulation

The maintenance of constant osmotic pressure in bodily fluids by controlling water and salt concentrations.

Hypertonic

A solution having a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Hypotonic

A solution having a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Osmotic thirst

Thirst that is triggered by an increase in plasma osmolality, usually from eating salt or sugar.

Hypovolemic thirst

Thirst due to a loss of bodily fluids, resulting in decreased blood volume.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus, released by the posterior pituitary, that promotes water retention by the kidneys.

Baroreceptors

Sensors in blood vessels that detect changes in blood pressure and send signals to regulate it.

Aldosterone

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that conserves sodium and increases water retention.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Angiotensin II

A hormone that increases blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction and increasing thirst.

Hyperglycemia

A condition characterized by an excessive amount of glucose in the blood.

Hypoglycemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that decreases blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown.

Ghrelin

A hormone produced by the stomach that signals hunger to the brain.

Leptin

A hormone produced by adipose tissue that signals satiety and reduces appetite.

Cholecystokinin (CKK)

A hormone released by the small intestine that stimulates digestion and promotes satiety.

Diabetes mellitus

A disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or resistance.

Type I diabetes

An autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin due to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells.

Type II diabetes

A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin and cannot adequately use it.

Diabetes insipidus

A condition caused by a lack of ADH, leading to excessive thirst and urination.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that involve catabolism and anabolism.

Catabolism

The breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy.

Anabolism

The synthesis of larger molecules from smaller ones, consuming energy.

Fluid compartments of the body

The different areas in the body where fluids are contained, including intracellular and extracellular compartments.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid that exists in the spaces between cells.

Intracellular fluid

Fluid contained within cells.

Blood plasma

The liquid component of blood, in which blood cells are suspended.

Physiological tolerance limits

The range of conditions within which physiological processes can operate effectively.

Sympathetic activity

The part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Vasoconstriction

The constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Isotonic

A solution with a solute concentration equal to that of another solution.

Fluid balance

The maintenance of the proper amount and concentration of fluids within the body.

Energy expenditure

The amount of energy a person uses in a given time period.

Satiety

The feeling of fullness or satisfaction after eating.

Appetite

The desire to eat food.

Hormonal regulation

The control of physiological processes through hormones released in the body.

Kidneys

Organs that filter blood and produce urine; crucial for fluid and electrolyte balance.

Non-carbohydrate sources

Substances such as amino acids that can be converted into glucose when needed.

Blood viscosity

The thickness and stickiness of blood, affecting blood flow and pressure.

Hydration

The process of maintaining adequate fluid balance in the body.

Cerebral osmoreceptors

Specialized neurons in the brain that detect changes in plasma osmolality and regulate thirst.

Homeostatic mechanisms

Processes that maintain stability in the internal environment of an organism.

Hyper-osmotic

A state where extracellular fluid is more concentrated than normal.

Hypo-osmotic

A state where extracellular fluid is less concentrated than normal.

Fluid replacement therapy

Medical treatment to restore lost fluids in the body.

Diuresis

Increased or excessive production of urine.