Homeostasis Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
Any self regulating process by which biological systems maintain stability whilst adjusting to variable environmental conditions
What is a steady state?
The internal environment is stable, not static, in a dynamic equilibrium. Change occurs but relatively uniform conditions prevail
Why is it important to maintain a steady state?
External environments vary and some external conditions would be lethal to individual cells. Internal processes also require certain conditions to successfully function
What is a receptor?
Measures the internal environment
What is the control centre?
Sends a message to the effector via nervous or endocrine system when parameter exits normal range
What is a stimulus?
Fluctuations in variables away from the normal
What is negative feedback?
A response that reduces it damps a stimulus
What is positive feedback?
Relatively rare,always parts of larger negative feedback system, trigger mechanisms that amplify rather than diminish the stimulus
What is torpor?
A state of mental or physical inactivity, heart rate and temp falls
What are the side effects of doping?
Body is trying to get back to a steady state
What are the reasons for using performance enhancing drugs?
Build muscle mass and strength Increase O2 delivery to exercising tissue Mask pain/injury Decrease weight Hide use of other drugs
What is erythropoietin? (EPO)
Hormone that stimulates erythrocyte protein released by the kidney
What is the stimuli for erythropoietin?
Low atmospheric oxygen, high levels of exercise, haemorrhaging
What are the benefits of EPO doping?
Increases supply by 7-10%, used to increase erythrocyte levels which means greater oxygen delivery to muscles
What are the side effects of EPO doping?
Blood thickens, heart has to work harder so there is an increased risk o heart attack or stroke
