Homeostasis 1/2 Flashcards
Role of Nervous / Endocrine systems in maintaining homeostasis.
Coordinate and control all other body systems.
Role of Muscoskeletal system in maintaining homeostasis.
Seek, supply and access nutrients (with help from Nervous and Endocrine).
Role of Respiratory system in maintaining homeostasis.
Supply O2.
Role of Alimentary (Gastrointestinal system) in maintaining homeostasis.
Break down food into useable forms and absorb the food across gut wall and into bloodstream.
Role of Cardiovascular system in maintaining homeostasis.
Transport O2 and nutrients via the bloodstream to the cells and transport CO2 and waste from cells - (to respiratory, alimentary and renal systems)
What systems are involved in disposal of waste?
Respiratory, Alimentary and Renal.
Define ‘Homeostasis’
Homeostasis means to maintain a constant internal environment and to avoid the disturbance of the “system” or the “equation of life”.
It ensures that all body systems are coordinated and working optimally.
Describe the importance of maintaining constancy of the internal environment.
The internal environment must remain constant as this is fundamental for the processes of life.
When we fail to correct changes made to the environment this can lead to illness or disease (pathology)
Describe the principles of negative feedback control.
Negative feedback is how Homeostasis is maintained.
When a condition that is homeostatically regulated is sensed to have shifted from the normal range, a signal (usually nervous or endocrine), is generated that produces a response that corrects the original disturbance and brings the regulated condition back within the normal range.
Explain what is meant by feed-forward control.
Feed-forward control is a sophisticated type of negative feedback in which additional receptors permit the system to anticipate change.
Define the dilution principle.
The dilution principle is used to find the volume of different body fluid compartments either directly or indirectly.
v = m / c
Name the 3 fluid compartments of the body.
Intracellular, Interstitial, Plasma
Explain the importance of the nature of the barriers between ISF and plasma.
The capillary wall is permeable , however it is too thick for larger substances, specifically plasma proteins and blood cells to pass through.
This is important to maintain the composition of the ECF (extracellular fluid).
It is also important when components are being measured to be used in the dilution principle.
The barriers are crucial in determining test substance
Explain the importance of the nature of the barrier between ISF and ICF.
The cell membrane is selectively permeable, only allowing water molecules through and acting as a barrier to ions and most uncharged polar molecules.
This is important to maintain the composition of the ECF.
It is also important when components are being measured to be used in the dilution principle.
The barriers are crucial in determining test substance.
Explain the importance of maintaining the composition of the ECF.
The composition of the ECF needs to be maintained in a state that is compatible with the survival of individual cells.
There is a large concentration gradient between the ICF and ECF, this must remain constant and is fundamental for nerve and muscle function.
