homeostasis Flashcards
Define homeostasis
Homeostasis is the process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.
Define metabolism
Metabolism is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that convert food into energy and building blocks for growth.
Describe how organisms mediate exchange of material with the environment
Organisms mediate exchange of materials through processes such as diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.
List the main functions that organisms have and the different body systems that plants and animals use for those functions
Main functions include respiration, circulation, digestion, and reproduction. Plants use systems like vascular and root systems, while animals use circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Describe the differences in organ system requirements for small, aquatic organisms vs larger or terrestrial organisms
Small, aquatic organisms often rely on diffusion for gas exchange and nutrient uptake, while larger or terrestrial organisms require specialized organ systems for these functions.
Describe the general operation of a nervous system
The nervous system transmits signals between different parts of the body, coordinating responses to stimuli through neurons.
Describe the general operation of an endocrine system
The endocrine system regulates bodily functions through hormones released into the bloodstream, affecting various target organs.
Describe why homeostasis often utilizes negative feedback loops
Homeostasis utilizes negative feedback loops to counteract changes and maintain stability by reversing deviations from a set point.
List the basic steps in a homeostatic response, from stimulus to effect
The basic steps are: 1) Stimulus, 2) Sensor detects change, 3) Control center processes information, 4) Effector produces response.
Describe the different ways heat can be lost or gained and the role/function of insulators
Heat can be lost or gained through conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation. Insulators reduce heat loss by providing a barrier to heat transfer.
Define ectothermic and endothermic
Ectothermic organisms rely on external sources for body heat, while endothermic organisms generate heat internally to maintain body temperature.
Write or draw the human thermoregulatory homeostatic responses
Human thermoregulatory responses include sweating to cool down and shivering to generate heat.
Describe the adaptations of the integumentary system to aid in thermoregulation
The integumentary system adapts through mechanisms like sweating, blood vessel dilation, and insulation via hair or fat.
Describe the basic operation of counter current exchange in thermoregulation in vertebrate limbs
Counter current exchange involves the flow of warm arterial blood next to cooler venous blood, minimizing heat loss.
List the main uses of energy in the body
Main uses of energy include maintaining body temperature, muscle contraction, growth, and cellular processes.
