PhysiologyLesson 3 of 3 in the course The Animal Body: Basic Form and Function

Homeostatic Feedback and Thermoregulation in Animals

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

Homeostasis is the ongoing regulation that keeps an animal’s internal conditions within workable ranges. This lesson introduces the homeostatic process, the roles of receptors and effectors, and how feedback loops maintain or alter internal conditions.

Homeostasis means maintaining a relatively stable internal environment despite changes inside or outside the body. It is a dynamic equilibrium: conditions may fluctuate, but regulatory processes generally keep them within specific ranges. Even when an animal appears inactive, its organs and organ systems continue adjusting internal conditions.

All flashcards

Set point
The target value or range around which a regulated condition fluctuates.
Homeostatic control pathway
A receptor detects change, a control center coordinates a response, and an effector carries it out.
Negative feedback
A response that counteracts the initial change in a regulated condition.
Fever
A regulated rise in body temperature caused by an increased temperature set point.
Vasoconstriction
Narrowing of peripheral blood vessels that reduces surface blood flow and helps conserve heat.

Quiz questions

  1. Which term describes animals that rely mainly on internal heat production?Answer: Endotherms
  2. When sunlight warms an animal through electromagnetic waves, which heat-transfer mechanism is involved?Answer: Radiation
  3. How can endogenous pyrogens produce a fever?Answer: They act on the hypothalamus, raising the body-temperature set point.
  4. After blood glucose rises following a meal, insulin helps lower it. Why is this negative feedback?Answer: The response counteracts the initial rise in blood glucose.
  5. How does positive feedback contribute to uterine contractions during childbirth?Answer: Contractions stimulate further oxytocin release, strengthening the contractions.

Based on Biology 2e by Mary Ann Clark, Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in Physiology

All Physiology lessons
PhysiologyHormonal Regulation of Renal Fluid, Vascular, and Mineral Balance5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyExercise Hyperpnea and High-Altitude Oxygen Adaptation5 flashcards · 4 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyCardiac Cycle and Heart Sounds: Valve Timing, ECG, and Auscultation5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyEndocrine Hormone Signaling and Major Gland Functions5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyEmbryonic Origins and Age-Related Changes in Endocrine Function5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyFemale Reproductive System: Anatomy, Cycles, and Lifespan Changes5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →