Bio - Unit 1B Homeostasis/Feedback loop

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Front

What is a feedback loop?

Back

A feedback loop is a biological mechanism in which a system's output is used as input to regulate its own activity.

Front

What is a negative feedback loop?

Back

A negative feedback loop is a process that counteracts a change in a system, helping to maintain stability (e.g., body temperature regulation).

Front

What is a positive feedback loop?

Back

A positive feedback loop is a process that amplifies a change in a system, leading to an even greater change (e.g., childbirth contractions).

Front

What role do receptors play in homeostasis?

Back

Receptors detect changes in the environment (stimuli) and send this information to the control center.

Front

What is the control center in a feedback loop?

Back

The control center processes information from receptors and determines the appropriate response to maintain homeostasis.

Front

What are effectors in a feedback loop?

Back

Effectors are organs or cells that carry out the response determined by the control center to restore balance.

Front

How does sweating help maintain body temperature?

Back

Sweating cools the body through evaporation, which helps lower body temperature when it rises.

Front

What is vasodilation?

Back

Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the skin and helps release heat.

Front

What is vasoconstriction?

Back

Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the skin and helps retain heat.