Homeostasis and Response Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
The regulation of the conditions inside your body and cells. It maintains a stable internal environment in response to changes in internal and external conditions.
What is the function of receptors?
To detect stimuli (changes in environment)
What is the function of coordination centres?
To receive and process information from receptors and organise a response
What is the function of effectors?
To produce a response to counteract change and restore optimal conditions
What 3 things are maintained by control systems in the body?
1: body temperature
2: blood glucose level
3: water content
What are neurones?
Cells that carry information as electrical impulses in the nervous system. The nervous system means that humans can react to their surroundings and coordinate their behaviour
What is the central nervous system (CNS)?
Consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is connected to the body by sensory neurones and motor neurones.
What is the order of things in the nervous system?
Stimulus > receptor > sensory neurone > CNS > motor neurone > effector > response
What is a synapse?
The connection between two neurones. A nerve signal is transferred across a synapse by the diffusion of chemicals
What are reflexes?
Rapid, automatic responses to certain stimuli that don’t involve the conscious part of the brain. They can reduce the chance of injury.
What are the 5 steps in a reflex arc?
1: stimulation of pain receptor
2: impulses travel along sensory neurone
3: impulses passed along relay neurone
4: impulses travel along motor neurone
5: muscle contracts and arm moves
What is the brain?
The organ in charge of all our complex behaviours. It is made up of billions of interconnected neurones.
What are the 3 methods of studying the brain?
1: observe patients with brain damage
2: electrically stimulate parts of the brain
3: use MRI scanners
Name 3 parts of the brain and their uses.
Cerebral cortex - consciousness, intelligence, memory, language
Medulla - unconscious activities
Cerebellum - muscle coordination
What is the sclera for?
Tough, supporting wall
What is the cornea for?
Transparent outer layer at front
What is the iris for?
Contains muscles controlling pupil size
What is the retina for?
Contains receptor cells sensitive to light intensity and colour
What is the optic nerve for?
Carries impulses from receptor cells to the brain
What does the pupil do in bright light?
Shrinks
What does the pupil do in dim light?
Dilate
What is accommodation?
The lens changing shape to focus light on the retina
What happens for a near object?
Ciliary muscles contract
Suspensorio ligaments relax
Lens becomes thicker
Light refracted more
What happens for a distant object?
Ciliary muscles relax
Suspensory ligaments tighten
Lens becomes thinner
Light refracted less
What is hyperopia?
Long-sightedness
Images of near objects brought into focus behind retina
Fixed using convex lens
What is myopia?
Short-sightedness
Image of distant objects brought into focus in front of retina
Fixed using concave lens
What are the 4 treatments for these eye defects?
1: glasses
2: contact lenses
3: laser eye surgery
4: replacement lens surgery