non-infectious disease and disorders - homeostasis Flashcards
How is an organism’s internal environment maintained in response to a changing external environment?
structural
physiological
behavioural
homeostasis
positive feedback loops
in a positive feedback loop the stimulus is increased by a receptor - e.g. expansions of the uterus during birth when the uterine contractions cause the uterus to stretch
negative feedback loops
negative feedback reverses the stimulus, both hormonal and nervous system are responsible for maintaining homeostasis
homeostasis
the ability of organisms to maintain a constant internal environment despite external conditions
internal environment
A term describing the fluid surrounding a cell within a multicellular organism
Stimulus response model
A system in which a stimulus is detected by a receptor, which communicates with an effector to bring about a response.
thermoregulation
If the temperature rises or falls, physiological (having to do with the functioning of the body) and behavioural negative feedback mechanisms return the body temperature to 36.7°C.
glucose control
Insulin stimulates the liver to absorb glucose from the blood (and thereby lowers blood glucose concentration) and store it as glycogen. Glucagon stimulates the liver to convert stored glycogen to glucose and release it into the blood, increasing blood glucose concentration.
behavioural adaptation
the organism moves or changes its behaviour.
physiological adaptation
to do with the organism’s body composition or structure.
structural adaptation
these are internal responses by the body to external changes or stimuli.
surface area to volume ratio
Smaller organisms have a
larger surface area compared to their volume.
Larger organisms have a
small surface area compared to their volumes.
A large organism is more effective at thermoregulation as is loses less heat to its environment.
A small organism is more affected by temperature changes as it has a larger surface area compared to its volume.
Endocrine gland
A gland that releases a hormone internally.
gland
An organ that secretes a specific hormone into the blood.
hormone
A chemical messenger released by a gland that has a specific target. Travel via the bloodstream. The act on enzymes in the target cells.
target organ
Organs with receptors for the specific hormone.
Pituitary gland
Often termed the master gland it can stimulate other glands to release their hormones.
Thyroid gland
Regulates metabolic rate to control temperature. Thyroxine.
Adrenal gland:
Adrenaline is released that impacts on blood pressure and the heart.
Aldosterone controls the absorption of salts from the kidneys.
pancreas
releases insulin and glucagon the controls blood glucose levels.
CNS (Central nervous system)
Made up of the brain and spinal cord
CNS (Central nervous system)
Made up of the brain and spinal cord
PNS (Peripheral nervous system)
Made of peripheral nerves which link the CNS to the body’s receptors and effectors
sensory neurons and motor neurons
Sensory neuron receives a stimulus (sound, smell, visual signal, etc)
The message is sent via an electrochemical impulse along a sensory neuron to the brain
The brain then interprets the signal and sends a message via motor neurons to the body response can be made.
structural adaptations to water loss (plants)
Reduced surface areas of leaves to reduce water loss.
Tiny hairs on surface of the leaf to reflect sunlight and to trap water closer to the surface of the leaf and reduce transpiration.
Reduced numbers of stomates.
Shiny/waxy cuticles on the leaf surface.
Changes to the orientation of leaves
Some plants will reduce exposure to sunlight during the hottest part of the day by changing the orientation of the leaves.
Some plants will curl their leaves to create a cooler interior surface and reduce water loss through transpiration.
Changes to stomatal opening
By changing the amount of water in the guard cells around a leaf plants can reduce water loss through transpiration.
Closing the guard cells reduces water loss by transpiration. To do this the guard cells will lose water causing them to become limp.