Excretion and Homeostasis

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment in order to maintain optimum conditions for enzyme and cellular function.

Front

What is the optimum temperature for human enzymes?

Back

The optimum temperature for human enzymes is about 37 °C.

Front

What are endothermic animals?

Back

Endothermic animals are those that can maintain a constant body temperature independent of the environment.

Front

What are ectothermic animals?

Back

Ectothermic animals are those that cannot maintain a constant body temperature independent of the environment.

Front

What role does the skin play in homeostasis?

Back

The skin protects from microbes, helps regulate body temperature, and permits sensations of touch, heat, and cold.

Front

What happens when body temperature drops below 37 °C?

Back

Muscles contract and relax quickly (shivering), metabolism may increase, hair stands up (goose pimples), and blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction).

Front

What happens when body temperature rises?

Back

Hair lies flat, sweat glands secrete sweat, which evaporates to cool the body.

Front

What is the role of the hypothalamus in temperature regulation?

Back

The hypothalamus coordinates the activities that bring about temperature changes and acts like a thermostat.

Front

What hormones are involved in the control of blood glucose concentration?

Back

Insulin and glucagon are the hormones involved in controlling blood glucose concentration.

Front

What is Type 1 diabetes?

Back

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the death of the cells that secrete insulin.