Topic 5 Core questions - Homeostasis and response Flashcards
Define “homeostasis”
The regulation of the internal conditions of a cell or organism to maintain optimum conditions for function in response to internal and external changes.
What does homeostasis maintain optimum cellular conditions for?
Enzyme action.
Name examples of homeostatic control in the human body.
- Blood glucose concentration
- Body temperature
- Water content of the blood and cells
Name the two types of responses used to control conditions in the human body.
Nervous and/or chemical.
What is a receptor cell?
Cells that detect stimuli (changes in the internal or external environment)
Name three coordination centres.
- Brain
- Spinal cord
- Pancreas
Name the two types of effectors.
- Muscle
2. Gland
State what the two types of effectors do to bring about a response.
- Muscle will contract
2. Gland secretes enzymes/hormones
What is the role of the human nervous system?
Enables humans to react to their surroundings and to coordinate their behaviour
What is the CNS?
The central nervous system, includes the brain and spinal cord.
To summarise the order of how the human nervous system works, fill in the missing words:
a -> b -> c -> d -> e
a) Stimulus
b) Receptor
c) Coordinator
d) Effector
e) Response
Name the three types of neurone.
- Sensory
- Relay
- Motor
What is a synapse?
The gap between two neurones, where a signal passes from one neurone to the next.
Summarise how a synapse works.
- Impulse arrives at the end of one neurone,
- Neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic gap,
- Neurotransmitter diffuses across the synaptic gap,
- Neurotransmitter binds to receptors on a second neurone,
- A new electrical impulse is generated in the second neurone
Why are reflex actions rapid?
They do not involve the brain, therefore no conscious thought.
What do you use reflex actions for?
Reactions to remove your body from danger.
e.g. touching a boiling kettle
What is the brain made up of?
Billions of interconnected neurones.
Name the three main parts of the brain
Cerebral cortex, cerebellum, medulla
Why is investigating the function of the brain difficult?
It is a complex and delicate organ.
Name two ways scientists can investigate brain function.
- Electrically stimulating areas in a conscious patient and recording their response
OR - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans.
Name the two stimuli the eye is sensitive to.
Light intensity and colour.
Name the muscle that changes the shape of the lens in the eye.
Ciliary muscle
Name the ligaments in the eye which help to change the shape of the lens.
Suspensory ligaments
Name the part of the eye which controls how much light enters through the pupil.
Iris