Homeostasis 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 detects 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
osmotic pressure
the pressure that results from a difference in solute concentration between the two sides of a selectively permeable membrane
hyperosmotic
the property of the solution on one side of a selectively permeable membrane that has the lower concentration of water
hypoosmotic
the property of the solution on one side of a selectively permeable membrane that has the higher concentration of water
isoosmotic
the property of two solutions that have equal water concentrations
osmoregulation
the process of actively regulating the osmotic pressure of bodily fluids and cells