Homeostasis

• What is the definition of homeostasis?

  Regulation of internal conditions for optimum function
• Why do enzymes require stable conditions?

  They cannot function well with changing conditions
• What are the three internal conditions homeostasis regulates in the body?

  Blood glucose concentration, body temperature, water levels
• What are the key features of automatic control systems in the body?

  • Involves nervous system or hormones
  • Detects changes via receptor cells
  • Processes information in a Coordination Center
  • Sends instructions to effectors (muscles or glands)
  • Carries out responses to maintain homeostasis
• What is a stimulus in the context of homeostasis?

  A change to the environment
• What role do receptor cells play in homeostasis?

  They detect changes in the environment
• What is the function of the Coordination Center?

  Processes information from receptor cells
• What is an effector in the context of homeostasis?

  A muscle or gland that carries out responses
• How does the body respond to a fall in blood glucose concentration?

  By activating automatic control systems
• What are the components of an automatic control system in homeostasis?

  1. Stimulus
  2. Receptor
  3. Coordination Center
  4. Effector
  5. Response
• What is the role of the brain in the automatic control system?

  Acts as a Coordination Center
• What happens when the body temperature rises during exercise?

  Homeostasis works to regulate temperature
• If an athlete sweats, what internal condition is affected?

  Water levels in the body
• How do automatic control systems maintain homeostasis?

  By detecting stimuli and executing responses