Homeostasis Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
A state of dynamic body equilibrium or stable internal environment of the body
What does it mean for homeostasis to be dynamic?
Internal conditions change and vary, but always within relatively narrow limits
Regardless of the variable, all homeostatic control mechanisms have at least what three components?
- A receptor
- A control centre
- An effector
In terms of homeostasis, what is a variable?
The factor or event being regulated
How does information flow along the afferent pathway?
From the receptor to the control centre
How does information flow along the efferent pathway?
From the control centre to the effector
What are the two ways in which results of the response feedback to the original change can influence the stimulus?
- With positive feedback
- With negative feedback
What is homeostatic positive feedback?
Increasing the amount of change, so the reaction continues at a faster rate
What is homeostatic negative feedback?
Reducing the amount of change so the whole control mechanism is shut off
Are most homeostatic feedback mechanisms positive or negative?
Negative
Which type of feedback mechanism typically controls infrequent events that occur explosively and don’t require continuous adjustments?
Positive feedback mechanisms
What is homeostatic imbalance?
A disturbance or change in homeostasis that effects function
