Levels of Organization and Homeostasis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the levels of biological organization and homeostasis as discussed in the lecture.

Molecule

A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.

Macromolecule

A large molecule comprised of smaller structural units (monomers), such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Cell

The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure composed of different types of tissues that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions for the organism.

Homeostasis

The process by which a body maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Negative Feedback Loop

A mechanism that reverses a change in a controlled condition to maintain homeostasis.

Intracellular Fluid

The fluid located inside the cells.

Extracellular Fluid

Fluid located outside of the cells, including blood plasma and interstitial fluid.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that include breaking down food for energy and building cellular structures.

Thermostat analogy in homeostasis

A comparison used to explain how the body regulates temperature through feedback mechanisms.

Positive Feedback Mechanism

A process that amplifies or increases change, leading to an exponential increase in the effect until a specific goal is reached.

Cardiac Muscle Cell

A type of muscle cell found in the heart that is responsible for the contraction of the heart.

Cardiovascular System

The organ system that circulates blood and lymph through the body, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Receptors

Structures that detect and respond to changes in the environment, such as temperature.

Effectors

Cells or organs that act in response to a stimulus, helping to return the body to homeostasis.

Set Point

The ideal value for a controlled variable, such as body temperature, around which homeostasis is maintained.