Physiology Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
Maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment regardless of changes in the external environment
How does the body achieve homeostasis?
Through control systems involving feedback systems, where a sensor detects a change in the variable being regulated, then sends information along afferent pathways to a control centre which determines if the variable is within set point range, and if required, sends information via efferent pathways to effectors to make adjustments to the variable to bring it back within set point range
Why is homeostasis important?
The cells in our body and importantly proteins within them function best in optimal conditions, so maintaining the internal environment within these parameters is essential for health.
What variables are regulated homeostatically and why?
Protein function is impacted by protein shape, which can be altered by pH, temperature, and ionic interaction. Protein production is impacted by its energy requirements. Therefore, variables such as temperature, pH, ionic interactions, blood glucose level, blood gasses concentration, and blood pressure are homeostatically regulated
Why is homeostasis around a set point range?
Physiological variation is normal, and homeostatic set points can also change with age, or in certain conditions such as when exercising, fever, or at different stages of the circadian rhythm or menstrual cycle
What do the different visceral sensory receptors detect?
Stretch receptors such as baroreceptors detect distension of organs or muscles. Temperature receptors detect internal body temperature. Chemoreceptors detect chemical changes in the body.
Types of feedback
Negative feedback oscillates around a set point range or value such as with blood pressure, positive feedback amplifies a response such as in blood clotting and childbirth
