homeostasis

Question 1

what is homeostasis

Answer 1

homeostasis maintains conditions inside the body at a constant level.

Question 2

what is negative feedback

Answer 2

negative feedback mechanisms respond to a change in a condition to help bring the condition back to the normal level.

Question 3

what does osmoregulation do

Answer 3

osmoregulation controls how much water is lost in urine, and so controls the amount of water in the body

Question 4

what is thermoregulation and why is it important

Answer 4

keeps core body temperature steady at 37 degrees. important as enzymes in the main organs are most active at this temperature.

Question 5

explain what happens when body temperature rises due to hot environment or exercise.

Answer 5

1. hypothalamus in brain detects rise and causes body responses
2. vasodilation so more blood flows near skin surface, sweat glands release more sweat onto skin surface to evaporate, sebaceous gland produce oil that helps sweat spread out over skin
3. more heat transferred to environment, body temperature falls

Question 6

explain what happens when body temperature falls due to cold environment.

Answer 6

1. hypothalamus detects fall and causes body responses
2. vasoconstriciton so less blood flows near skin surface, sweat glands stop producing sweat, body hairs raised by erector muscles in skin.
3. less heat transferred to environment, body temperature rises.