Biology: Homeostasis and Feedback 10-Q Review

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 thermoregulation?

Back

Thermoregulation is the process by which the body maintains its core internal temperature within a narrow range, despite external temperature changes.

Front

What happens to the body when it gets too hot?

Back

When the body gets too hot, it responds by opening pores, increasing blood flow to the skin, and increasing breathing rate to cool down.

Front

What is negative feedback?

Back

Negative feedback is a mechanism that counteracts a change in a physiological variable, helping to return it to its set point.

Front

What is positive feedback?

Back

Positive feedback is a mechanism that amplifies a change or increase in a physiological variable, moving it further away from its set point.

Front

Give an example of a positive feedback loop.

Back

An example of a positive feedback loop is the ripening of pears on a tree, where the ripening of one pear produces ethylene gas that promotes the ripening of others.

Front

What role does the cell membrane play in homeostasis?

Back

The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell, helping to maintain the internal environment necessary for cellular function.

Front

What is the significance of pores opening in thermoregulation?

Back

When pores open, sweat is released, which evaporates and cools the body down, helping to regulate temperature.

Front

How does blood flow change during thermoregulation?

Back

During thermoregulation, blood flow increases to the skin to release heat, helping to cool the body.

Front

What is the difference between positive and negative feedback mechanisms?

Back

Positive feedback amplifies changes, while negative feedback counteracts changes to maintain stability.