Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, and physiological processes.

Homeostasis

The active maintenance of stable biochemical conditions in the body.

Positive Feedback

A process that amplifies change or increases output in response to a stimulus.

Oxytocin

A hormone involved in processes like childbirth and lactation, which stimulates uterine contractions.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining an internal temperature within a tolerable range.

Endotherm

An organism that can regulate its internal body temperature through metabolic processes.

Ectotherm

An organism that relies on external environmental heat sources to regulate body temperature.

Set Point

The desired level or range of a physiological measurement, such as body temperature or pH.

Control Center

The part of the body that receives input from sensors and directs responses to maintain homeostasis.

Stimulus

A change in the environment that triggers a response in an organism.

Receptor Sensor

A sensory structure that detects changes in the environment and sends information to the control center.