PHYS 205, Exam 1 Practice Questions

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions, despite changes in the external environment.

Front

What is a negative feedback loop?

Back

A negative feedback loop is a control mechanism that counteracts a change in a physiological variable, helping to return the system to its set point.

Front

What is a positive feedback loop?

Back

A positive feedback loop is a control mechanism that amplifies a change or deviation from a set point, leading to an even greater change in the same direction.

Front

What role does an effector play in homeostasis?

Back

An effector is the component of a homeostatic control mechanism that carries out the response to a stimulus, helping to restore balance.

Front

How does distance affect the rate of diffusion?

Back

The shorter the distance, the faster the rate of diffusion; molecules diffuse more quickly over shorter distances.

Front

What is Stratified Squamous Epithelium?

Back

Stratified Squamous Epithelium is a type of tissue composed of multiple layers of cells, providing protection against abrasion and is found in areas like the skin and mouth.

Front

What is the function of a receptor in homeostatic control?

Back

A receptor detects changes in the environment (stimuli) and sends this information to the control center.

Front

What is the control center in homeostasis?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of a negative feedback mechanism in the human body.

Back

An example of a negative feedback mechanism is the regulation of body temperature; when body temperature rises, mechanisms are activated to cool the body down.

Front

Give an example of a positive feedback mechanism in the human body.

Back

An example of a positive feedback mechanism is the process of childbirth, where the release of oxytocin increases contractions, leading to more oxytocin release.