Major Themes of Anatomy and Physiology - Homeostasis and Gradients

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, and physiological gradients from Chapter 1.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of the body's internal environment.

Homeostatic Imbalances

Disturbances in homeostasis that can lead to disease or death if uncorrected.

Feedback Loop

A physiological mechanism where feedback alters the original changes that triggered it.

Receptor

A structure that senses change in the body, such as stretch receptors above the heart that monitor blood pressure.

Integrating (Control) Center

A control center that processes sensory information, makes a decision, and directs the response, such as the cardiac center of the brain.

Effector

A cell or organ that carries out the final corrective action to restore homeostasis, such as the heart.

Positive Feedback

A self-amplifying cycle in which a change produces more change in the same direction.

Baroreceptors

Sensory receptors located above the heart that respond to drops in blood pressure and transmit signals to the cardiac center of the brainstem.

Oxytocin

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland during childbirth that stimulates uterine contractions to push the fetus toward the cervix.

Gradient

A difference in chemical concentration, charge, temperature, or pressure between two points.

Concentration Gradient

A gradient along which chemical substances flow from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Electrical Gradient

A gradient along which charged particles flow.

Thermal Gradient

A gradient along which heat flows.

Core Body Temperature Set Point

The baseline internal body temperature target of $37.0^\circ\text{C}$ ($98.6^\circ\text{F}$).