Homeostasis keeps an animal’s internal conditions within ranges that support healthy cell and organ function. This lesson introduces set points, feedback mechanisms, and the roles of receptors, control centers, and effectors.
Homeostasis is the maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment despite changes inside or outside the body. Stability does not mean that every measurement stays perfectly constant. Instead, values can fluctuate around a normal target called a set point.
All flashcards
Homeostasis
Maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite changes inside or outside the body.
Negative feedback
A response that opposes the initial change and moves a regulated condition toward its set point.
Endotherm
An animal that generates internal heat and maintains a relatively constant body temperature as environmental conditions change.
Nephron
The functional filtering unit of a kidney, where blood filtration and adjustment of the tubule fluid occur.
Dialysis
A treatment that removes wastes and excess water from blood when kidney function is inadequate.
Quiz questions
What does the control center do in a feedback mechanism?Answer: It receives information and coordinates a response to the detected change.
What distinguishes an electrolyte from a nonelectrolyte when dissolved in water?Answer: An electrolyte dissociates into ions; a nonelectrolyte does not.
How do kidneys contribute to osmoregulation?Answer: They adjust water and ion reabsorption to help regulate body-fluid composition.
What happens at the glomerulus during kidney filtration?Answer: Water and many dissolved substances move from blood into the nephron tubule.
In kidney function, what is secretion?Answer: Movement of certain wastes, ions, and drugs from blood or surrounding fluid into the tubule.
Based on Concepts of Biology by Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.