u2: introduction to homeostasis

Question 1

define homeostasis + wht it requires

Answer 1

• “steady state” or “equilibrium state”
• tendency of body to maintain relatively constant internal environment
• this requires persistent monitoring/adjustments as external environmental conditions change

Question 2

maintaing homeostatic balance is _____ for ______. why?

Answer 2

• critical for survival
• ## humans, like vertebrae, survive within narrow range of optimal conditions

Question 3

what does the body expend in order to maintain homeostasis? why?

Answer 3

• expends lots of energy
• bc maintaing constant internal environment (homestasis) occurs at all times

Question 4

relationship btwn homeostasis and cells

Answer 4

homeostasis allows body cells to work optimally

Question 5

what do automatic control systems do?

Answer 5

ensures that the body maintains a:
- constant temperature
- steady levels of water
- ions
- blood sugar

Question 6

describe the internal environment

Answer 6

• extracellular fluid (ECF) is the fluid outside our cells
• ECF changes in volume, temp, chemical composition etc
• these changes r monitored by sensors in the body tht communicate w/ the brain to maintain constant levels