Homeostasis Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
The condition of equilibrium in the body’s internal environment
What are the components of a feedback system?
• Sensor
• Control centre
• Effector
• Regulated variable
What is afferent information?
Information being sent to the control centre
What is efferent information?
Information being sent to the effector
What is gain?
The precision by which a control system can prevent deviation from homeostasis
How is gain calculated?
Amount of correction needed / amount of abnormality after correction
What do negative feedback loops do?
Act to reduce an effect
What do positive feedback loops do?
Act to increase an effect
What are feedforward loops?
Physiological responses in anticipation of a change in a variable
What is a reflex response?
A response that requires knowledge from an integrating centre and a circuit that connects the receptor and the effector (targets different cells)
What is a local response?
A response that can target the same cell that caused it
What is Allostasis?
It encompasses both short-term and long-term adaptations. It involves not only immediate responses but also anticipatory adjustments to prepare the body for future challenges (e.g. body core temperature remaining elevated during exercise)
