Homeostasis

Question 1

Hormonal Communication Specificity

Answer 1

Hormone molecules bind to specific receptors on target cells, triggering a response. Hormonal communication is specific, influencing only cells with compatible receptors.

Question 2

Pancreatic Islets and Hormone Production

Answer 2

Alpha cells produce glucagon, stimulating the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream.
Beta cells produce insulin, promoting glucose uptake by cells.

Question 3

Homeostasis Overview

Answer 3

Homeostasis is the bodies ability to maintain a constant internal enviroment.

Question 4

What does it regulate

Answer 4

Regulates temperature, pH, blood sugar, sodium, potassium levels, and fluid balance. Ensures optimal internal temperature (36.5 – 37.5 °C) and blood pH (7.35 – 7.45).

Question 5

Stimulus-Response Model and Feedback Systems

Answer 5

Stimulus initiates a change in the organism’s internal or external environment.
Receptors detect stimuli and transmit signals to modulators for processing.
Modulators compare received information with ideal conditions and activate effectors.
Effectors respond to modulator signals, leading to a cellular, organ, or organismal response.

Question 6

Feedback Systems

Answer 6

Positive feedback amplifies the initial stimulus, while negative feedback counters it.
Homeostasis primarily employs negative feedback loops to maintain internal balance.
Negative feedback loops aim to return variables to a set point for optimal function.

Question 7

Heat Transfer methods

Answer 7

Heat transfer methods include conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation.

Question 8

Thermoregulation

Answer 8

Thermoregulation maintains constant internal body temperature through various mechanisms.

Question 9

Physiological Responses to Cold Environment

Answer 9

Vasoconstriction: Arteriolar blood flow to the skin is reduced, conserving heat
Arrector pili muscles contraction: Causes goosebumps, trapping insulating air layer
Cellular level responses: Increased metabolic processes like cellular respiration for heat production
Stimulation of brown fat cells: Production of heat through triglyceride burning

Question 10

Heat Transfer Principles

Answer 10

Conduction: Transfer of heat through direct contact
Convection: Heat transfer through fluid movement
Evaporation: Heat loss through sweat evaporation
Radiation: Heat emission in the form of infrared waves