Homeostasis and Response Flashcards
What is homeostasis and why is it important?
Homeostasis is maintaining a stable internal environment. This is important because your cells need the right conditions to function properly and for enzyme action.
What is the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
In vertebrates this consists of the brain and spinal cord only
In mammals the CNS is connected to the body by sensory neurones and motor neurones.
What is the sensory neurones?
The neurones that carry information as electrical impulses from the receptors to the CNS.
What are motor neurones?
The neurones that carry electrical impulses from the CNS to effectors.
What are effectors?
All your muscles and glands which respond to nervous impulses.
What is a stimulus?
A change in the environment.
What are receptors?
Receptors are the cells that detect stimuli.
What is a synapse?
The connection between two neurones.
What happens at a synapse?
The nerve signal is transferred by chemicals which diffuse across the gap. These chemicals set off a new electrical signal in the next neurone.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical molecules released directly into the blood. They are carried in the blood to other parts of the body.
What are hormones produced in and secreted by?
Glands called the endocrine glands. These glands make up the endocrine system.
What does the pituitary gland do?
It produces many hormones that regulate body conditions. Called the master gland.
What do the ovaries do?
Produce oestrogen which is involved in the menstrual cycle.
What do the testes do?
Produces testosterone which controls puberty and sperm production.
What is the thryoid?
Produces thyroxine which is involved in regulating things like the rate of metabolism, heart rate and temperature.
