Homeostasis and the Marathon Runner

Front

Vasodilation

Back

The widening of blood vessels due to the relaxation of the muscles in their walls, increasing blood flow to specific areas of the body. It helps in regulating body temperature by dissipating heat.

Front

Vasoconstriction

Back

The narrowing of blood vessels due to the contraction of muscles in their walls, reducing blood flow. This process helps to conserve heat or direct blood flow to essential organs.

Front

Perspiration

Back

The release of sweat from sweat glands in the skin, primarily to cool the body through the process of evaporation.

Front

Evaporation

Back

The process of a liquid turning into vapor, such as water turning into gas when heated. In terms of body regulation, sweat evaporating from the skin helps cool the body.

Front

Insulin

Back

A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Front

Glucagon

Back

A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose.

Front

Glucose

Back

A simple sugar that serves as a primary source of energy for the body’s cells. It is commonly referred to as blood sugar.

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Pancreas

Back

An organ located in the abdomen that plays a key role in digestion and regulating blood sugar levels by producing insulin and glucagon.

Front

Blood glucose

Back

The concentration of glucose (sugar) present in the blood. It is a critical measure for energy availability and metabolic health.

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Type 1 diabetes

Back

A chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin due to an autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells, leading to high blood glucose levels.