[01] Homeostasis

Question 1

What does the term “homeostasis” refer to in human physiology?

Answer 1

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body

Question 2

What are some key components regulated by homeostasis?

Answer 2

• Body temperature
• pH levels
• Blood glucose levels
• Fluid and electrolyte balance

Question 3

Define the term “body temperature” in the context of homeostasis.

Answer 3

The measure of the body’s internal heat production and heat loss.

Question 4

Define “pH levels” in the context of homeostasis.

Answer 4

The measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution within the body.

Question 5

What does “blood glucose levels” refer to in the context of homeostasis?

Answer 5

The concentration of glucose, a type of sugar, in the bloodstream.

Question 6

Define “fluid and electrolyte balance” in the context of homeostasis.

Answer 6

The balance of water and minerals (like sodium, potassium, and calcium) in the body.

Question 7

What are some mechanisms the body uses to maintain homeostasis?

Answer 7

• Negative feedback
• Positive feedback

Question 8

Define “negative feedback” in the context of homeostasis.

Answer 8

A mechanism that reduces or inhibits the effects of changes in the body’s internal environment.

Question 9

Provide an example of negative feedback in homeostasis.

Answer 9

Body temperature regulation: if the body’s temperature rises, the body initiates mechanisms like sweating to cool down.

Question 10

Define “positive feedback” in the context of homeostasis.

Answer 10

A mechanism that enhances or amplifies changes in the body’s internal environment.

Question 11

Provide an example of positive feedback in homeostasis.

Answer 11

The process of childbirth: contractions intensify in response to the baby’s movement into the birth canal.

Question 12

What role do homeostatic imbalances play?

Answer 12

They can lead to disease or disorder.

Question 13

What could happen if homeostasis fails to maintain body temperature?

Answer 13

Conditions such as hypothermia or hyperthermia can occur.

Question 14

Define “hypothermia” in the context of homeostasis failure.

Answer 14

A condition where body temperature falls below the normal range.

Question 15

Define “hyperthermia” in the context of homeostasis failure.

Answer 15

A condition where body temperature exceeds the normal range.

Question 16

What could happen if homeostasis fails to regulate blood glucose levels?

Answer 16

It can lead to conditions like diabetes.

Question 17

Define “diabetes” in the context of homeostasis failure.

Answer 17

A disease characterized by high blood glucose levels due to the body’s inability to produce or use insulin effectively.

Question 18

What could happen if homeostasis fails to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance?

Answer 18

Conditions such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalance can occur.

Question 19

Define “dehydration” in the context of homeostasis failure.

Answer 19

A condition caused by not enough fluid in the body.

Question 20

Define “electrolyte imbalance” in the context of homeostasis failure.

Answer 20

A condition where there’s an improper balance of minerals in the body, often due to dehydration or kidney disease.