Homeostasis Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to homeostasis.

Homeostasis

A coordinated physiological processes that maintain steady states in a living organism.

Negative Feedback

A sequence of activities that opposes the change, reducing or reversing the initial change.

Positive Feedback

A sequence of activities that enhances the intensity of a physiological state instead of reversing it.

Receptors

Components of a feedback system that monitor changes in the body.

Efferent nerves

Nerves that carry signals from the control center to the target organs.

Afferent nerves

Nerves that send information from receptors to the control center.

Nervous System

A system that constantly monitor changes in the body using neurones and neurotransmitters.

Endocrine System

A system that constantly monitor changes in the body using hormones.

Hormones

Chemicals that are transported in the blood stream and used when a message requires a long response.

Nerves

Composed of neurones that carry electrical impulses. Used to transport messages that require a rapid response.

Target organs

Organs that receive signals from the monitor to enact a change.

Vasodilation

The dilation of blood vessels to radiate heat from the skin surface during temperature regulation.

Vasoconstriction

The constriction of blood vessels to minimize heat loss from the skin surface during temperature regulation.

Oxytocin

A hormone released from the pituitary gland that increases uterine contractions during childbirth.