Homeostasis And Response Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the maintence of a constant internal environment in order to maintain optimum conditions for enzyme and cellular function
Give examples of conditions maintained by homeostasis in the body
blood glucose concentration, body temperature and water levels
What two types of responses are used in body control systems?
nervous and chemical
What three components do all control systems have?
Receptors, coordination centres and effectors
What is the function of a receptor?
Receptors detect changes in the environment (stimuli).
What is the function of a coordination centre?
Coordination centres obtain and process information from receptors.
What is the function of an effector?
Effectors (muscles or glands) bring about responses to stimuli.
What is the function of the nervous system?
The nervous system allows the body to react to its surroundings and coordinate an appropriate response
How does a stimulus lead to a response being carried out by the body?
● Stimulus is converted into an electrical impulse by the receptors.
● The electrical impulse passes along sensory neurones to the central nervous system (CNS).
● The CNS coordinates an appropriate response and an electrical impulse is sent along motor neurones to the effector, which carries out the response.
What sequence of events describes how the nervous system works?
Stimulus → receptor → coordinator → effector → response
What is a reflex action?
A reflex action is an automatic and rapid response which does not involve any conscious input from the brain.
Why are reflex actions important?
Reflex actions aid survival by preventing harm to the body.
Describe how a reflex action occurs via a reflex arc
● The stimulus is detected by a receptor.
● An electrical impulse passes along a sensory neurone to the spinal cord (part of the CNS).
● At a synapse between a sensory neurone and a relay neurone, a chemical diffuses across the gap and stimulates a new impulse which passes along the relay neurone.
● The same process occurs at a synapse between a relay neurone and a motor neurone.
● At the effector, an appropriate response is carried out
What is the difference between a reflex pathways and a conscious pathway?
Within a reflex pathway, the coordination centre is a relay neurone found in the spinal cord/unconscious parts of the brain (in a conscious pathway, the coordination centre is in the conscious part of the brain)
What is the function of the cerebral cortex?
Controls consciousness, intelligence, memory and language
What is the function of the cerebellum?
controls muscular coordination
What is the function of the medulla?
Controls unconscious activities like breathing and your heartbeat
Why is the investigation and treatment of the brain difficult?
● The brain is a complex and delicate organ.
● The brain is easily damaged and destroyed.
● Certain membranes prevent drugs from reaching the brain.
● The exact function of each part of the brain is not known.
What methods are used by scientists to determine brain function?
● Studying patients with brain damage
● Electrical stimulation of the brain
● MRI scans
What stimuli are the receptors of the eye sensitive to?
Light intensity and colour
What are the two main functions of structures found within the eye?
● Focusing on near or distant objects - accommodation.
● Adaptation to dim light.
Describe the structure and function of the retina
The retina is a light-sensitive layer found at the back of the eye.
Light stimulates the retinal cells, resulting in impulses being sent to the brain.
Describe the structure and function of the optic nerve
The optic nerve connects the eye and the brain. It carries impulses to the brain so that an image can be visualised.
Describe the structure and function of the sclera
The sclera is the tough outer layer of the eye which protects its internal structures.
Describe the structure and function of the cornea
The cornea is the curved transparent layer at the front of the eye. It lets light into the eye and allows light to be focused onto the retina.
Describe the structure and function of the iris
The iris is a muscle which controls the size of the pupil by contracting or relaxing. This allows the eye to adjust to bright and dim lighting
Describe the structure and function of the ciliary muscles and suspensory ligaments
The ciliary muscles (C) and suspensory ligaments (E) hold the lens in place and control its shape.
Describe how the iris alters the size of the pupil in both bright and dim light
● Bright light: circular muscles contract and radial muscles relax - makes pupil smaller to avoid retinal damage.
● Dim light: circular muscles relax and radial muscles contract - makes pupil larger so more light can enter the eye.
What is accommodation?
Accommodation is the alteration of the lens’ shape in order to focus on near or distant objects.
How does the eye focus on a nearby object?
● Ciliary muscles contract.
● Suspensory ligaments loosen.
● Lens becomes thicker and more curved - light rays are refracted strongly.
How does the eye focus on a far away object?
● Ciliary muscles relax
● Suspensory ligaments tighten
● Lens becomes thinner - light rays are refracted weakly
What is myopia?
Myopia (short-sightedness) usually occurs when the lens of the eye is too curved. As a result, light is focused in front of the retina so images appear blurry.
How can myopia be treated?
Myopia can be treated using glasses with a concave lense, which spreads out light rays so they can be focused on the retina.
What is hyperopia?
Hyperopia (long-sightedness) usually occurs when the lens of the eye is too flat. As a result, light is focused behind the retina so images appear out of focus.
How can hyperopia be treated?
Hyperopia can be treated using glasses with a convex lense, which brings the light rays together so they can be focused on the retina
What are the two types of contact lenses?
Contact lenses are lenses that are placed on the eye. There are two types:
● Hard - rigid material, last a long time, must be kept sterile.
● Soft - flexible material, last for a shorter time, more comfortable.
What is laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery is the use of lasers to fix visual defects in adults. To treat myopia, lasers reduce the thickness of the cornea so light is refracted less strongly. To treat hyperopia, lasers alter the curvature of the cornea so that light is refracted correctly.
How can replacement lenses be used to treat visual defects?
A replacement lens can either implanted into the eye (along with the natural lens) or it may replace the natural lens altogether. Risks of lens replacement include retinal damage, cataracts and infections.
What are the risks of lens replacement?
Risks of lens replacement include retinal damage, cataracts and infections
Where is body temperature controlled in the body?
Body temperature is controlled by the thermoregulatory centre in the hypothalamus of the brain.
How is temperature monitored by the body?
● Thermoregulatory centre has receptors sensitive to blood temperature.
● Skin has receptors sensitive to skin temperature - sends impulses to thermoregulatory centre.
What physiological changes occur when the body temperature is too high?
● Vasodilation - blood vessels near the surface of the skin dilate - more heat is radiated away.
● Sweating - evaporation of water takes away heat energy from the surface of the skin.
What physiological changes occur when the body temperature is too low?
● Vasoconstriction - blood vessels near the surface of the skin constrict - less heat radiated away.
● Shivering - respiration allows muscles to contract. It is an exothermic process, so heat energy is released.
● Sweating stops.
Give the name of the body’s coordination system which involves hormones
endocrine system
What is a hormone?
A hormone is a chemical messenger secreted by a gland. It travels in the blood to a target organ, where it causes a response.
What type of organ secretes hormones?
glands
Which gland controls many other glands in the body?
pituitary gland
Why is the pituitary gland called the master gland?
It secretes a wide range of hormones, some of which may stimulate other endocrine glands.
What is the role of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system?
● Secretes human growth hormone - controls human growth.
● Stimulates the thyroid gland.
● Stimulates ovulation and the production of oestrogen in the ovaries.
● Stimulates the production of sperm and testosterone in the testes.
What is the role of the thyroid gland in the endocrine system?
Secretes the hormone thyroxine - controls metabolism, heart rate and body temperature.
What is the role of the pancreas in the endocrine system?
Secretes the hormone insulin - controls blood glucose levels.
What is the role of the adrenal gland in endocrine system?
Secretes adrenaline - controls the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response.
What is the role of the ovaries in the endocrine system?
Secrete oestrogen, which coordinates the menstrual cycle and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.
What is the role of the testes in the endocrine system?
Secrete testosterone, which coordinates the production of sperm and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.
Which organ monitors and controls blood glucose concentration?
pancreas
How does the pancreas respond when blood glucose levels are too high?
The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin. Insulin binds to receptors on the liver and muscles, causing excess glucose to be converted into glycogen and stored.
How does the pancreas respond when blood glucose levels are too low?
The pancreas secretes the hormone glucagon. Glucagon binds to liver cells, causing glycogen to be converted into glucose and released into the blood.
How is blood glucose concentration controlled using a negative feedback loop?
● When the blood glucose concentration rises or falls below the optimum, a hormone is secreted by the pancreas.
● The action of either hormone (insulin or glucagon) helps bring back the concentration to the correct level.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin to control the blood glucose concentration. As a result, blood glucose levels are often very high, leading to excessive urination, tiredness and weight loss.
How can type 1 diabetes be treated?
● Insulin injections before meals - allows glucose to be converted into glycogen.
● Limiting carbohydrate intake.
● Attempts using pancreas and pancreatic cell
transplants; investigations into genetic engineering of pancreatic cells.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which the body’s cells stop responding to insulin, leading to an uncontrolled blood glucose concentration. Its onset is linked with increasing age and obesity.
How can type 2 diabetes be treated?
● Following a carefully-controlled diet
● Doing regular exercise
● Losing weight
● Use of drugs which increase insulin
production and effectiveness
What is osmosis?
Osmosis is the movement of water from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution through a partially permeable membrane
In what ways is water lost from the body?
● During exhalation via the lungs
● Sweating
● Urine (some reabsorbed in the kidney)
In what ways are ions lost from the body?
● Sweating
● Urine (some reabsorbed in the kidney)
How are excess amino acids excreted from the body?
● Excess amino acids are deaminated in the liver to form ammonia.
● Ammonia is toxic, therefore it is converted into urea
● Urea is excreted from the body via sweat and urine.
How do the kidneys maintain the balance of water and other substances in the body?
● Filter blood in order to remove waste products eg. urea.
● Selectively reabsorb useful molecules eg. glucose, water, ions.
What is the full name of the hormone ADH?
anti-diuretic hormone
Where is ADH secreted in the body?
Pituitary gland of the brain
How does ADH affect the re absorption of water in kidneys?
● When the blood is too concentrated, the pituitary gland secretes more ADH.
● ADH travels in the bloodstream to the kidney and increases the permeability of kidney tubules to water.
● More water is reabsorbed in the kidneys, resulting in a smaller volume of more concentrated urine.
Why is kidney failure dangerous?
When the kidneys are damaged, they may be unable to filter the blood properly. This may lead to:
● A build-up of toxic molecules (eg. urea) in the body.
● An uncontrolled ion and water balance and cells being damaged as a result of osmosis.
What are the two main ways of treating kidney failure?
dialysis and transplant
What is kidney dialysis?
Kidney dialysis is the use of a specialist machine to carry out the function of kidneys. Dialysis fluid contains the same concentration of glucose and ions as healthy blood. As a result, only excess and waste molecules are lost from the blood, and glucose and ions remain.
What is the function of reproductive hormones during puberty?
● Males: cause the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
● Females: cause the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the maturation of eggs.
What is the main male reproductive hormone?
The main male reproductive hormone is testosterone, which is produced by the testes and controls sperm production.
What is the main female reproductive hormone?
The main female reproductive hormone is oestrogen, which is produced by the ovaries and is involved in the menstrual cycle.
What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is the monthly cycle of physical changes that occur in females, involving the shedding of the uterus lining (menstruation) and ovulation
Describe the events of the menstrual cycle
● Uterus lining thickens and eggs begin to mature in the ovaries.
● An egg is released from one of the ovaries (ovulation) - uterus lining remains thick.
● If the egg is fertilised, pregnancy may occur. If not, both the egg and the uterus lining are shed during menstruation.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovaries, which occurs approximately every 28 days.
What are the four main hormones involved in the menstrual cycle?
● Oestrogen
● Progesterone
● Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
● Luteinising hormone (LH)
What is the role of FSH in the menstrual cycle?
FSH is secreted by the pituitary gland. It controls the maturation of eggs within the ovaries (inside a follicle) and triggers the production of oestrogen by the ovaries.
What is the role of oestrogen in the menstrual cycle?
Oestrogen is produced by the ovaries and released due to the action of FSH - it causes the regrowth of the uterus lining. It triggers the production of LH and restricts the release of more FSH.
What is the role of LH in the menstrual cycle?
LH is produced in the pituitary gland as a result of oestrogen. Its release triggers ovulation.
What is the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?
Progesterone is secreted from the follicle of the ovary. It sustains the uterus lining and inhibits FSH and LH.
What is contraception?
Contraception refers to any method of preventing pregnancy.
What are the two types of oral contraceptives?
● Combined contraceptive pill (contains oestrogen and progesterone).
● Mini pill (contains only progesterone).
How does the contraceptive pill prevent pregnancy?
● Inhibits FSH - eggs do not mature.
● Prevents the development of the uterus lining - eggs cannot implant.
● Increases the thickness of cervical mucus - immobilises sperm cells.
What is the contraceptive patch?
● Contains both oestrogen and progesterone.
● It is a patch that is placed onto the skin for 7 days at a time.
What is the contraceptive implant?
A small rod inserted under the skin which continuously releases the hormone progesterone - lasts for 3 years.
What is the contraceptive injection?
An injection containing the hormone progesterone - lasts for approximately 3 months.
What is the IUS?
The IUS (intrauterine system) is a small plastic device that is inserted into the uterus. It releases progesterone which thickens cervical mucus and prevents the build-up of the uterine lining.
What is the IUD?
The IUD (intrauterine device) is a small copper-containing device inserted into the uterus, which prevents the implantation of embryos.
What is a spermicide?
A spermicide is a chemical that kills or immobilises sperm cells - however, they are not very effective, and work better when combined with barrier methods.
What is a barrier method of contraception?
A barrier method of contraception involves a physical separation between the sperm and the egg. They include:
● Condoms - thin sheath worn on the penis or inside the vagina - protects against STIs but may tear/break.
● Diaphragms - a thin cap placed over the cervix - prevent entry of sperm.
What surgical methods of contraception are available?
Sterilisation - in males, the sperm ducts are tied (vasectomy) and in females, the oviducts are tied.
What is abstinence?
Abstinence is the practice of not having sex, which also avoids pregnancy. Some people abstain from sex around the time of ovulation - this is known as the rhythm method, but it is quite unreliable.
How do fertility drugs increase the chance of pregnancy?
Many fertility drugs contain FSH - which stimulates oestrogen production and the maturation of eggs in the ovary. They also contain LH which triggers ovulation.
What is IVF?
IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is type of fertility treatment:
● Mother is given FSH and LH - stimulates maturation of eggs and ovulation.
● Eggs are fertilised using sperm in a laboratory - develop into embryos.
● 1 or 2 embryos are inserted into the mother’s womb.
What are the advantages of fertility treatment?
● Allows infertile couples to have children
● Can store a woman’s eggs for later
What are the disadvantages of fertility treatment?
● It can be a very expensive process.
● It has a low success rate - especially for older couples.
● Increases chance of multiple pregnancies - dangerous for mother and babies.
● Side effects of fertility drugs.
What is negative feedback?
Negative feedback is a type of control where the body responds to an increase or decrease in a factor by returning it to the optimum level.
What is thyroxine?
Thyroxine is a hormone released by the thyroid gland. Its release is triggered by the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Thyroxine controls the body’s metabolic rate, growth and development.
How is the release of thyroxine controlled by negative feedback?
● Levels of blood thyroxine falls - detected by receptors in the brain.
● Pituitary gland releases more TSH.
● More thyroxine produced and released by the thyroid gland.
● Blood thyroxine level returns to normal.
What is adrenaline?
Adrenaline is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland in times of stress. It is responsible for the ‘fight or flight response’.
What are the effects of adrenaline?
● Increase in heart and breathing rate - delivers oxygen and glucose to the body.
● Stored glycogen converted to glucose.
● Dilation of pupils.
● Increased mental awareness.
● Blood diverted away from digestive system tomuscles.
What is a tropism?
A tropism is the response of a plant to a specific stimulus.
What is phototropism?
Phototropism is the response of a plant’s shoot or root to light.
What is gravitropism?
Gravitropism is the response of a plant’s shoot or root to gravity.
What is auxin?
Auxin is a hormone which controls the growth of a plant’s shoots and roots. When auxin is unevenly distributed in a growing plant, the rate of growth will also be unequal.
How do plants shoots show positive phototropism?
One side of the shoot is in the light, causing auxin to move to the shaded side
At the shaded side, the cells are stimulated to grow - the shoot bends towards the light
As a result, photosynthesis can occur at the shaded side
How do plants shoots show negative gravitropism?
in a horizontal shoot, auxin accumulates in the lower side due to gravity
cells on the lower side of shoot grow more, causing the shoot to bend away from the direction of gravity
How do plant roots show positive gravitropism?
● In a horizontal root, auxin accumulates in the lower side, causing cells to grow less.
● The root bends in the direction of gravity
● As a result, more water and nutrients are available to the plant roots.
What are gibberellins?
Gibberellins are a type of plant hormone involved in seed germination.
What is ethene?
Ethene is a type of plant hormone involved in cell division and ripening.