Levels of Complexity and Feedback Loops in Living Organisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary from the lecture on levels of complexity in living organisms and mechanisms of homeostasis, including feedback loops.

Atom

The basic unit of matter.

Molecule

A group of atoms bonded together.

Cell

The smallest unit of life that can function independently.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure composed of different tissues that perform specific functions.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Organism

A living individual composed of multiple organ systems.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining stable internal conditions in the body.

Negative Feedback Loop

A mechanism that counteracts changes in the body to return to a set point.

Sensor

Cells or receptors that detect changes in the environment.

Control Center

The part of the body (like the brain) that processes sensory information and coordinates responses.

Effector

Organs or cells that act in response to signals from the control center.

Response

The action taken by effectors to restore conditions to normal.

Positive Feedback Loop

A mechanism that amplifies a change in a variable or process.

Labor (Positive Feedback Example)

The process where cervical stretching leads to increased contractions through oxytocin release.