Regulation Flashcards
What does a feedback system operate? What are the two types of feedback systems?
They operate the response to a stimulus which in turn modifies the original stimulus. Positive and negative.
What are the 6 stages in a feedback system?
- Stimulus
- Receptor
- Modulator
- Effector
- Response
- Feedback
What is the dynamic equilibrium?
The fluctuations around the normal or optimum level.
What is the set point in the equilibrium?
The level around which the conditions fluctuate.
What is thermoregulation?
Heat generated by cells carrying out cell respiration.
Are humans endotherms?
Yes.
What is the equation of thermoregulation?
Glucose + Oxygen = Energy + CO2 + H20
How much energy produced is heat energy?
Over half.
What is metabolic rate?
The rate at which cell respiration occurs.
What are two factors the increase metabolic rate?
Stress and exercise.
How do mammals produce and lose heat?
They produce heat in their cells. They loss heat to their environment.
How do you maintain a constant body temperature?
The amount of heat produced must be exactly the same as the amount of heat lost.
HEAT INPUT = HEAT OUTPUT
What are the steps in the negative feedback system in thermoregulation?
Stimulus = change in body temperature Receptors = thermoreceptor Modulator = hypothalamus Effectors = blood vessels and sweat glands Response = vasodilation/vasocontriction, perspiration rate Feedback = change in body temperature
Where are the thermoreceptors found in the peripheral section?
Found in the skin and some mucous membranes; either cold or heat receptors.
Where are the thermoreceptors found in the central section?
Found in the hypothalamus, spinal cord and abdominal organs.
What do the peripheral blood vessels carry to the surface of the skin?
Warm blood.
If you reduce the amount of blood flowing to the skin what happens?
You reduce the amount of heat lost to the environment.
What does vasoconstriction of the peripheral vessels do?
Makes the skin go paler and less heat is lost.
What does vasodilation of the peripheral vessels do?
Makes the skin go redder and more heat is lost.
What are 3 different points to reduce or increase heat loss?
- Peripheral vasocontriction or vasodilation
- Reduce or increase surface area to volume ration (behavioural response)
- Reduce or increase amount of sweat
What are 3 different points to reduce or increase heat production?
- Increase or decrease adrenalin production
- Increase or decrease thyroxine production
- Increase muscle activity (voluntary or shivering)
What are behavioural response to temperature? What is it?
A conscious change to behaviour to increase or decrease heat loss. Put a jumper on, sit in the shade, reduce surface area.
What is heat exhaustion?
Dehydration and vasodilation can cause low blood pressure; making a person collapse (even though temperature is still normal.
What is heat stroke?
Dehydration, high environmental temperatures and high humidity make it difficult for the body to lose heat. Heat is retained making thermoregulation cease and body temperature rises.
What is hypothermia?
If the body temperature falls below 33C, then the metabolic rate is too slow to maintain body temperature. Heat lost is greater than heat produces, the body temperature continues to fall.
What is surface area to volume ratio?
Surface area : volume ratio = surface area/volume
EG
SA= 1.5cm, V= 3mL
Ratio = 1.5/3 = 0.5 cm/ml
Why do smaller organisms lose heat faster than large organisms?
Small organisms have a large surface area to volume ratio. compared to their body size, they have a lot of skin
How fast do organisms lost heat if they have a high SA:V? A low SA:V?
High SA:V = lose heat faster
Low SA:V = lost heat slower
What are the 3 different body shapes in humans?
Endomorph
Mesomorph
Ectomorph
What are the four ways heat can be lost or gained?
- Conduction - through one solid to another
- Convection - through fluids (liquid/gases)
- Evaporation - Change of state removes heat
- Radiation - through space
What is excretion?
The removal of waste products of metabolism from the body. As they are toxic
What do excretory organs include?
Lungs, sweat glands, alimentary canal (bile pigments), kidneys.