Thermoregulation and Feedback Mechanisms

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts of negative and positive feedback, thermoregulation, and specific physiological responses like childbirth and inflammation.

Feedback mechanisms

The regulatory processes in which the output or product of a system is used to control the behavior of the system itself.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism in which the output or product of a system reduces the activity of the system, serving as the most common form of regulation.

Positive Feedback

A regulatory mechanism in which the output or product increases the activity of the system, enhancing the original stimulus.

Body temperature set point

The internal standard for body temperature, which is approximately $37^\circ\text{C}$.

Thermoreceptors

Sensors in the hypothalamus of the brain that detect changes in body temperature relative to the set point.

Control centre

The part of the system (e.g., the thermoregulator in the hypothalamus) that receives signals from receptors and sends messages to effectors.

Effectors

Components such as sweat glands, skin, and muscles that respond to signals from the control centre to restore homeostasis.

Oxytocin

A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth in a positive feedback loop.

Cytokines

Proteins released by immune cells during severe inflammation or infection that further stimulate the immune response.

Vasoconstriction

A response in the skin that occurs when body temperature drops below the set point to help increase heat production.