Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to homeostasis and feedback mechanisms in physiology.

Homeostasis

The physiological process that maintains a stable internal environment in the body.

Set Point

The physiological value around which the normal range fluctuates, such as the normal human body temperature.

Normal Range

The restricted set of values that is optimally healthful and stable for a physiological condition.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that reverses a deviation from a set point to maintain homeostasis.

Sensor (Receptor)

A component of a feedback system that monitors a physiological value and reports it to the control center.

Control Center

The component in a feedback system that compares the monitored value to the normal range and activates an effector if necessary.

Effector

The component in a feedback system that causes a change to reverse a deviation and return the value to the normal range.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that intensifies a change in the body's physiological condition instead of reversing it.

Examples of Positive Feedback

Childbirth and the body’s response to blood loss are typical examples of positive feedback mechanisms.

Oxytocin

A hormone released during childbirth that causes stronger contractions of the uterus.

Clotting Cascade

A series of events that occur after a wound, leading to the release of substances that promote blood clotting.