Comprehensive Notes: Homeostasis, Feedback, Gradients, and Terminology 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, gradients, and foundational anatomy/physiology terminology as discussed in the lecture notes.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment despite ongoing external changes.

Negative feedback

A mechanism that reverses a change, helping keep variables near a set point (dynamic equilibrium within a limited range).

Dynamic equilibrium

A stable state maintained within a narrow range around the set point.

Set point

The target value for a physiologic variable that the body tries to maintain.

Normal range

A clinically accepted range around the set point used to judge if a value is normal.

Feedback loop

A cycle of sensing, processing, and responding to maintain homeostasis (can be negative or positive).

Receptor

Sensor that detects a change in the internal or external environment.

Integrating center

The brain or other control center that processes input and determines the appropriate response.

Effector

The cell or organ that executes the response to restore homeostasis.

Baroreflex

Negative feedback mechanism that regulates blood pressure via baroreceptors.

Baroreceptor

Receptors that sense changes in blood pressure, located in the heart and neck (e.g., carotid sinus).

Positive feedback

A feedback loop that amplifies the original change, producing a rapid shift.

Birth (positive feedback example)

A classic positive feedback loop where uterine contractions increase oxytocin, pushing the baby out.

Blood clotting (positive feedback example)

A positive feedback process where clot formation amplifies to seal a injury.

Nerve signal generation (positive feedback example)

An example of amplification in the nervous system where signals are reinforced.

Gradient

A difference in concentration, charge, temperature, or pressure between two points.

Pressure gradient

Difference in pressure that drives fluid flow (high to low pressure, e.g., blood flow).

Concentration gradient

Difference in chemical concentration; substances move from high to low concentration.

Electrical gradient

Difference in electrical charge that drives movement of ions down their charge gradient.

Electrochemical gradient

Combined chemical and electrical gradients that determine ion movement.

Heat gradient

Heat flows from warmer to cooler areas.

Down gradient

Movement along a gradient from high to low; requires no energy (down the gradient).

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the cell’s energy currency used to move against gradients.

Anatomy

Study of body structure.

Physiology

Study of body function.

Histology

Study of tissues.

Eponyms

Terms named after people; many are being replaced by standardized anatomical terms.

Terminologia anatomica

The standard set of internal anatomical terms adopted in 1998.

Prefixes, suffixes, root words

Word-building elements that help decode medical terms; roots convey meaning, prefixes/suffixes modify it.

Patho

Prefix meaning disease.

Ology

Suffix meaning 'the study of' (e.g., physiology, pathology).

Vasopressin

Also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH); regulates water balance.

Hierarchy of complexity

Molecules -> Cells -> Tissues -> Organs -> Organ systems -> Organism.

Latin-based terminology

Most anatomical terms derive from Latin; understanding roots helps with memorization.

Spelling precision in terminology

Accurate spelling is crucial in clinical settings to avoid harm; practice with labeling.