Principles of Human Physiology - The Endocrine System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the thermoregulation section of human physiology.

Thermoregulation

The body's process of maintaining its core internal temperature.

Homeothermic

Organisms that maintain a relatively constant internal temperature regardless of external conditions.

Endothermic

Organisms that generate heat from within to maintain body temperature.

Temperature Balance

The equilibrium where heat gain equals heat loss in the body.

Negative Balance

A state where heat gain is less than heat loss, leading to a decrease in body temperature.

Positive Balance

A state where heat gain exceeds heat loss, leading to an increase in body temperature.

Effectors in Thermoregulation

Components like sweat glands and muscles that help regulate body temperature.

Hypothalamus

The part of the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature.

Thermoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect changes in temperature within the body.

Physiological response

The body's adjustment to maintain homeostasis in response to temperature changes.