Chapter 9.1 - 9.3 Flashcards
Homeostasis
The physiological state of the body in which internal physical and chemical conditions are kept within a range that is suitable for life processes.
Internal Environment
The extracellular fluid, which consists of the fluid that surrounds the cells and tissues in the body and the plasma portion of the blood.
Interstitial Fluid
The fluid that surrounds the body cells
Homeostatic Mechanism
A system that monitors internal and external conditions and changes bodily functions to maintain homeostasis.
Negative Feedback
The response of a system that acts to maintain equilibrium by compensating for any changes made to the system.
Sensor
The element of a feedback system that defects changes in the environment.
Integrator
The element of a feedback system that compares existing conditions with ideal conditions.
Set Point
The optimal value for a given variable of a system.
Effector
The element (or elements) of a feedback system that acts to return the system to its optimal state.
Positive Feedback
The response of a system that acts to increase the effect of any changes made to the system.
Thermoregulation
The regulation of internal temperature by negative feedback mechanisms.
Homeotherm
An animal that maintains a stable body temperature regardless of the temperature of the external environment.
Poikilotherm
An animal whose body temperature varies with, and often matches, the temperature of the external environment.
Endotherm
An animal that maintains its body temperature by internal mechanisms.
Ectotherm
An animal that maintains its body temperature by absorbing thermal energy from the environment.
