Homeostasis Flashcards
The ability of living organisms to maintain a stable and relatively constant internal environment despite external changes
Homeostasis
This involves the regulation of various physiological variables
Homeostasis
An organism that:
- is male at <28C
- is female at >31C
- is imbalanced at 28-31C
Red-eared slider turtle
An organism that:
- is female at either ≤22C or ≥28C
- is male between the said temperatures
- is predominated by males
Macrolemys
(Alligator snapping turtle)
An organism that:
- is female at >30C
- is male at <25C
- has an even sex ratio at 28.5C
Emys obicularis
(European pond turtle)
The 5 key components of homeostasis
- set point
- sensors or receptors
- control centers
- effectors
- feedback loops
Key Component of Homeostasis
Represents the ideal or optimal level of a variable
Set Point
Key Component of Homeostasis
Monitor the internal conditions and detect any deviations from the set point; located in various parts of the body
Sensors or Receptors
Key Component of Homeostasis
Involves the brain and other CNS structures which receive, process, and compare information to the set point and generate appropriate commands to regulate the variable
Control Centers
Key Component of Homeostasis
Carry out the control center’s commands
Effectors
Key Component of Homeostasis
Self-regulating mechanisms that maintain homeostasis
Feedback Loops
Feedback Loop
- Responds by amplifying the initial deviation from the set point
- Less common
- e.g. blood clotting
Positive Feedback Loop
Feedback Loop
- Responds by counteracting the deviation, bringing the variable back towards the set point
- Maintains stability
- e.g. body temperature regulation
Negative Feedback Loop
4 importance of homeostasis
- balance and stability
- optimal functioning
- protection against external factors
- prevention of diseases
The 4 negative feedback mechanisms
- Stimulation
- Reception
- Processing
- Counteract on Stimulus
