Flashcards for:
2.01 Understanding Homeostasis and Feedback Mechanisms

In Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin, preventing glucose from entering cells and disrupting cellular respiration and ATP production. Diabetics must monitor blood sugar and administer insulin to manage their condition.

Insulin is released when blood glucose levels are high, causing cells to absorb glucose and lower the glucose level in the blood.

Positive feedback is a process where a variable triggers an intensified response. An example is childbirth, where pressure on the cervix causes the release of hormones that trigger uterine contractions and further increase pressure, facilitating childbirth.

Understanding feedback mechanisms helps in identifying and treating conditions where these systems fail, improving medical care and patient management.

In a hot environment, the brain triggers sweat glands to cool the body down and causes blood vessels to dilate, releasing heat.

When blood glucose levels are low, glucagon is released, prompting the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream.

Negative feedback is a process where a variable triggers a counteracting response to return the body to a set point.

Physiological changes include shivering and constriction of blood vessels, which help to retain heat.

In a cold environment, the body responds by shivering and constricting blood vessels to conserve heat.

Body systems maintain homeostasis through positive and negative feedback mechanisms.

Feedback mechanisms are critical for maintaining homeostasis and understanding them helps identify problems when systems malfunction.

The release of glucagon is triggered by low blood glucose levels.

Homeostasis is the state of balance in the body, maintaining stable internal conditions such as blood pH level, blood glucose, and internal body temperature.

Functions regulated by homeostasis include blood pH level, blood glucose level, and internal body temperature.

The body counteracts high blood glucose levels by releasing insulin from the pancreas, which facilitates the absorption of glucose by cells.