Unit4- 5.8~ The concept of homeostasis Flashcards
1
Q
What is homeostasis?
A
The process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment, even when external conditions change.
2
Q
What is maintained by homeostasis?
A
- Temperature
- Oxygen levels
- Water levels
- Tissue Fluid
- Composition
3
Q
Why is homeostasis important?
A
- Independence: Stopes organisms being reliant on external environment
- Enzymes: Sensitive to pH and temp changes. Big changes could stop reactions occuring
- Blood glucose: Essential to maintain this to maintain water potential and give cells constant supply of glucose for respiration
- Water potential: Changing this in blood/tissue fluid could make cells shrink/burst, preventing them operating normally
4
Q
Control mechanisms
What are the stages of homeostatic control?
A
- The set point (The norm)
- Receptor (Detects variations)
- Controller (Co-ordinates info and send instructions)
- Effector (Brings about changes)
- Feedback loop (Tells receptor about the changes)