Big Idea 3 Flashcards
Homeostasis
maintaining a relatively constant internal environment in the presence of changing external conditions
Negative Feedback Loop
when the response opposes the stimulus
Positive Feedback Loop
when the response further enhances the stimulus
Thermoregulation
how animals maintain an internal temperature within an acceptable range
Endothermic
generates heat internally
Exothermic
gains most of their heat from the external environment
Radiation
heat transfer from a warmer object to a cooler one via infrared
Evaporation
vaporization of water from a surface
Conduction
heat transfer between two objects by direct contact
Convection
heat transfer through movement of air or liquid
Vasodilation
widening of superficial blood vessels
Vasoconstriction
decrease in diameter of superficial blood vessels
Countercurrent Exchange
transfer of heat between fluids flowing in opposite directions
Hormone
released by cells of the endocrine system; travel in the bloodstream
Neurotransmitter
act on other neurons, muscles, or glands; travels very short distances across a synapse
Neurohormones
released by neurosecretory cells and travel in the bloodstream
Steroid Hormone
derived from cholesterol (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, aldosterone, etc.); must bind to carrier proteins because they are hydrophobic
Peptide/Amine Hormone
derived from amino acids (e.g., melatonin, dopamine, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), etc.); travels directly within the bloodstream because they are hydrophilic
Hormone Cascade
hormones target endocrine tissues that release different hormones in response
Insulin
helps your body turn food into energy and controls your blood sugar levels
Glucagon
a hormone that your pancreas makes to help regulate your blood glucose levels; increases blood sugar
Mechanical Digestion
breaks food down into smaller pieces, increasing surface area (chewing, grinding, stomach churning, peristalsis in the intestines)
Chemical Digestion
cleaves large molecules into smaller molecules (enzymatic hydrolysis); stomach acid, saliva, and enzymes in the stomach and intestines
Perstalisis
alternating waves of contraction and relaxation in the smooth muscles lining the alimentary canal that push food along the canal
Microbiome
the collection of microorganisms living in or on an organism’s body, along with their genetic material
Osmosis
the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane
Isoosmotic
equal solutes on both sides, no net water movement