Homeostasis

Question 1

What is homeostasis

Answer 1

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Question 2

Why is homeostasis essential?

Answer 2

It ensures the survival of cells and the organism by maintaining conditions for physiological processes.

Question 3

What is negative feedback?

Answer 3

A mechanism where the response opposes the change to maintain stability (e.g., shivering to generate heat).

Question 4

What are the components of a negative feedback system?

Answer 4

Sensor, Integrator, Effector.

Question 5

Give an example of a physiological negative feedback loop.

Answer 5

Body temperature regulation: too hot → sweat; too cold → shiver.

Question 6

What is positive feedback?

Answer 6

A mechanism where the response amplifies the change for a rapid effect (e.g., oxytocin during labor).

Question 7

What is enantiostasis?

Answer 7

Maintaining homeostasis by compensating for changes in one variable with adjustments in another.

Question 8

What is acclimatization in homeostasis?

Answer 8

Gradual adaptation to new environmental conditions, like developing a thicker fur coat in winter.

Question 9

What are two common challenges in negative feedback systems?

Answer 9

Delays in response initiation and stopping, leading to overshooting the set-point.

Question 10

How can negative feedback systems adapt to delays?

Answer 10

Through anticipation (e.g., skin detects temperature changes before affecting body temperature).

Question 11

What are examples of set-point changes?

Answer 11

Fever (temporary), puberty (permanent), daily body temperature cycles (cyclical).

Question 12

What is the smallest unit of life involved in homeostasis?

Answer 12

The cell.

Question 13

Name the four types of tissue in animals.

Answer 13

Epithelial, connective, muscular, nervous.

Question 14

How does epithelial tissue contribute to homeostasis?

Answer 14

It forms barriers and facilitates material exchange (e.g., skin, digestive tract).

Question 15

What is the role of muscular tissue in homeostasis?

Answer 15

Movement and force generation, including involuntary actions like heartbeats.

Question 16

What is intrinsic regulation?

Answer 16

Local regulation within a single organ or tissue (e.g., blood flow adjustments in active muscles).

Question 17

What is extrinsic regulation?

Answer 17

Coordination of multiple organ systems for overall homeostasis (e.g., hormonal regulation during exercise).

Question 18

What are the two main control systems for homeostasis?

Answer 18

Nervous system (fast) and endocrine system (slow, sustained).

Question 19

How does the respiratory system support homeostasis?

Answer 19

By maintaining O₂ and CO₂ levels and regulating acidity.

Question 20

What is the role of the circulatory system in homeostasis?

Answer 20

Transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.

Question 21

How does the excretory system maintain fluid balance?

Answer 21

By removing excess water, salts, and waste.

Question 22

What is the function of the integumentary system in homeostasis?

Answer 22

Protection, temperature regulation, and preventing fluid loss.

Question 23

Why is homeostasis considered an evolutionary advantage?

Answer 23

It allows organisms to survive and reproduce in a wide range of environments.

Question 24

How do regulators, conformers, and avoiders differ?

Answer 24

Regulators: Maintain a constant internal state (e.g., humans).
Conformers: Match their internal state to the environment (e.g., marine snails).
Avoiders: Avoid environmental extremes (e.g., migrating birds).