Homeostasis Flashcards
1
Q
What is homeostasis?
A
The process which allows the body to maintain a stable physiological balance / maintain equilibrium
2
Q
What is a feedback loop?
A
A control system that acts to maintain the level of some variable within a given range following disturbance
3
Q
Components of feedback loop include:
A
Controller Comparator Target organs (effector) Controlled variable Sensor (receptor)
4
Q
Negative Feedback
A
When change occurs in the opposite direction as original stimulus
e.g. restoration of blood pressure, return of plasma osmolality to normal,
temperature regulation
5
Q
Positive feedback
A
Change occurs in the same direction as original stimulus
e.g. uterus contraction during labour
Urination increases after flow of urine has started
6
Q
Efferent pathway
A
Comparator -> target organ
7
Q
afferent pathway
A
sensor -> comparator
