Intorducton Flashcards
1
Q
Physiology
A
Understanding, in physical and chemical terms, the mechanisms that operate in living organisms at all levels
-ranges from subcellular to whole organisms
2
Q
Homeostasis
A
Maintenance of an approximately constant internal environment
- refers to pattern not process
- occurs regardless of external environment
3
Q
Feedback control system
A
The process/mechanism whereby homeostasis is achieved
Regulates many physiological variables
-e.g. temp, pH, solute concentrations, O2 and CO2 in blood
4
Q
Response to environmental fluctuations
A
Conformation
Regulation
5
Q
Conformation
A
Internal environment tracks external environment
Eg. Osmoconformers - osmolarity tracks that of environment
6
Q
Regulation
A
Internal environment regulated independently of external environment (within limits)
Eg. Thermoregulation (mammals and birds)
