Homeostasis

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 the response in a homeostatic system?

Back

The response is the action taken by the body to counteract a stimulus and restore balance.

Front

What is a stimulus?

Back

A stimulus is any change in the environment that triggers a response in an organism.

Front

What is a negative feedback loop?

Back

A negative feedback loop is a process that counteracts a change, helping to maintain homeostasis by reducing the output or activity.

Front

What is a positive feedback loop?

Back

A positive feedback loop is a process that amplifies a response or increase in output, often leading to a significant change.

Front

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

Back

An example of a negative feedback loop is the regulation of body temperature: when the body temperature rises, mechanisms like sweating are activated to cool it down.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What role do receptors play in homeostasis?

Back

Receptors detect changes in the environment (stimuli) and send signals to the control center to initiate a response.

Front

What is the control center in a homeostatic system?

Back

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

Front

What is an effector in the context of homeostasis?

Back

An effector is a muscle or gland that carries out the response directed by the control center to restore balance.