Topic 5 - Homeostasis

Question 1

Why is it important for the conditions inside your body to be kept steady, even when the external environment changes?

Answer 1

Your cells need the right conditions in order to function properly, including the right conditions for enzyme action.

Question 2

What is Homeostasis about?

Answer 2

The regulation of the conditions inside your body (and cells) to maintain a stable internal environment, in response to changes in both internal and external conditions.

Question 3

What communication systems are included of the automatic control systems in your body that regulate your internal environment? Give an example of what a control system could be.

Answer 3

Includes both nervous and hormonal communication systems. For example, there are control systems that maintain your body temperature, your blood glucose level and your water content.

Question 4

What are the three main components in your automatic control systems which work together to maintain a steady condition?

Answer 4

Cells called: receptors, coordination centres (including the brain, spinal cord and pancreas) and effectors.

Question 5

What is the mechanism your automatic control system uses to keep your internal environment stable? How does it work?

Answer 5

A mechanism called negative feedback. When the level of something (e.g. water of temperature) gets too high or low, your body uses negative feedback to bring it back to normal.

Question 6

What is a stimulus?

Answer 6

A change in the environment.