Homeostasis and Feedback Control Flashcards
Define homeostasis
ability to upkeep relatively constant internal conditions and environment, despite external environment fluctuating
does homeostasis have any impact on humans? how so?
when homeostasis is disrupted, disease and death may occur. the external environments are changing constantly, and if our body becomes sensitive to every change, then we cannot remain healthy
the concentration of what materials in the body can be regulated
nutrient molecules, wastes, water, salt, CO2, O2, and other electrolytes
which internal condition factors are regulated through homeostasis
pH, temperature, volume, pressure, and concentration
define regulated variable
a variable that stays within a narrow range (i.e. maintained)
define set point
the anticipated or “normal” value of the regulated variable within a range
define normal range
a restricted set of values that is optimally healthy and stable
Explain the difference between the set point and normal range through a real life example, such as driving a car on the highway
- set point: middle of lane
- normal range: within one lane
how does homeostatic regulation occur?
through feedback systems (positive, negative)
list the 3 basic components of feedback systems
sensor/receptor, integrating center, and effector
explain the sensor/receptor stage of homeostatic feedback systems
the monitors change in controlled variable and sends information to the integrating center
explain the integrating center stage of homeostatic feedback systems
detects changes from set point and generates output
explain the effector stage of homeostatic feedback systems
receives output from integrating center
explain what negative feedback is
a way to reverse a deviation from a set point
- if regulated variable increases, the system can decrease it (vice versa)
- minimizes changes to physiological variables
give a real life example of negative feedback loop
maintaining body temperature through shivering and sweating
what are antagonistic effectors
more than one effector working in opposite directions to maintain homeostasis (blood glucose levels)