communication + homeostasis Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
The process of maintaining a relatively stable internal environment within a narrow range even though external environment is changing
How do endothermic animals prevent their body temperature from decreasing?
Peripheral thermoreceptors in the skin are stimulated by external temperature decrease, sending signals to the hypothalamus to initiate responses like vasoconstriction and increased metabolic rate.
What role does the hypothalamus play in temperature regulation?
It monitors blood temperature and sends signals to the body to regulate heat loss and generate heat energy.
What is vasoconstriction?
The narrowing of arterioles to reduce heat loss by radiation, conduction, and convection.
What is the effect of adrenaline released by the hypothalamus?
It causes involuntary muscle spasms (shivering) to generate heat energy.
What are glucocorticoids?
Hormones produced in the adrenal cortex.
How do ectotherms manage their body temperature?
By behavior, utilizing less energy for temperature regulation, leading to a low rate of metabolism.
What is vasodilation?
The increase in the diameter of arterioles to allow more blood to flow through.
How are elephants adapted to control their body temperature?
They have large, thin ears that increase heat loss through a large surface area and promote air movement.
What adaptation do penguins have to maintain body temperature in cold climates?
They have ‘shunt’ blood vessels that reduce blood flow to the feet, conserving core body temperature.
What is the cooling effect of sweating?
Evaporation takes heat from the body, cooling it down due to water’s high latent heat of vaporization.
What happens during shivering when fever occurs?
Shivering occurs when body temperature drops below the new set point established during fever.
Why should alcohol not be given to someone with hypothermia?
It causes vasodilation, leading to increased heat loss and further decreasing body temperature.
Why do fish gather around water pumps in cold weather?
The pump generates heat, warming the surrounding water, which is crucial for ectothermic fish.
What is the function of the hypothalamus in hormone regulation?
It inhibits the output of trophic hormones by the pituitary gland, regulating blood hormone concentration through negative feedback.
