Homeostasis and Body Systems

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to homeostasis, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and cardiovascular physiology to help prepare for the exam.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a stable internal environment.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Hormone that signals kidneys to conserve water, increasing blood pressure and urine concentration.

Neuron

The functional unit of the nervous system that transmits signals.

Afferent neurons

Carry information to the brain.

Efferent neurons

Carry information from the brain to effectors.

CNS

Central Nervous System; includes the brain and spinal cord.

PNS

Peripheral Nervous System; includes all nervous system components outside the CNS.

Somatic nervous system

Part of the PNS that directs voluntary movements, controlling skeletal muscles.

Autonomic nervous system

Involuntary part of the PNS that controls heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that regulates the endocrine system and triggers the release of ADH.

Action potential

Electrical signal that travels down the neuron, resulting in neurotransmitter release.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical that transmits signals across the synaptic cleft between neurons.

Endocrine gland

Gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Hormone that promotes the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar levels that can cause thirst, urination, and blurred vision.

Cardiac cycle

The alternating periods of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole) of the heart.

Plasma

Liquid component of blood that contains 91% water, proteins, and dissolved substances.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.

Platelets

Cells involved in blood clotting to stop bleeding.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord and transports nutrients and waste.

Glomerular capillaries

Small blood vessels in the kidney that filter out water, amino acids, glucose, and wastes.

Aldosterone

Hormone that increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing urine concentration.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' response.

Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production.

Calcium

Mineral that triggers the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse.

Iodine

Nutrient essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormone.

Reflex arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action involving a receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, and effector.

Meninges

Protective membranous layers that encase the brain and spinal cord.

Renal arteries

Blood vessels that supply blood to the kidneys.

Renal veins

Blood vessels that drain filtered blood away from the kidneys.