1. IntroHomeostasis-1

Physiology

The study of function in living organisms.

Anatomy

The study of the structures of the body.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a relatively stable internal environment regardless of external conditions.

Cells

The smallest functional unit of an organism, composed of atoms and molecules.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform a common function.

Organ

A group of different tissues working together, typically composed of at least two tissue types.

Organ System

A group of organs working together to perform a specific function.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions that occur within cells, including catabolism and anabolism.

Catabolism

The breakdown of complex molecules into smaller units.

Anabolism

The process of building up larger molecules from smaller ones.

Excretion

The process of removing waste products from the body.

Feedback Loop

The cycle of processes that occurs in response to a stimulus to maintain homeostasis.

Negative Feedback System

A feedback mechanism that reverses a change to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback System

A feedback mechanism that amplifies change.

Stimulus

Any change in the environment that elicits a response.

Sensor (Receptor)

The component that detects a change in the environment.

Integrator

The part of the homeostatic feedback loop that compares the incoming signal to the set point.

Effector

An organ or tissue that responds to changes in the body as part of the feedback loop.

Disturbance of Homeostasis

Failure to maintain a stable internal environment, leading to disease or death.