Homeostasis Flashcards
Internal environment
The conditions inside your body.
Homeostasis
Automatic control systems, including the nervous system, hormones and body organs to keep conditions inside the body relatively constant.
What internal conditions are controlled
- temperature
- the water content in the body
- the ion content of the body
- blood glucose level
Hormones
Are chemical substances that coordinate many body processes. They regulate the function of many organs and cells.
Controlling water and ions
- kidneys can change the amount of ions and water lost in urine, depending on body conditions
- help to control the balance of water and mineral ions
- a concentration of urine is controlled by hormones and nerves
How much water moves in or out of the cells depends…
on the concentration of mineral ions (e.g. salt) and the concentration of water in the body.
Ions are lost when…
we sweat and in urine which is made in kidneys.
Core body temperature
Temperature inside must be kept at 37 degrees.
Controlling body temperature by…
- swat to cool down
- shiver to warm up
Hypothermia
Once body temperature drops below 35 degrees.
Controlling blood sugar
The concentration of glucose is kept constant by hormones made in the pancreas. The pancreas acts as a coordination centre.
Eyes
Sensitive to light
Ears
Sensitive to sound and to changes in position(enables us to keep our balance)
Tongue and in the nose
sensitive to chemicals (enables to smell and taste)
Skin
Sensitive to touch, pressure, pain and to temperature change
