The maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment in the body despite changes in the external environment
Stimulus-Response Model
A model that describes how a system responds to a stimulus
Positive Feedback System
A stimulus-response process in which the response increases the stimulus
Negative Feedback System
A stimulus-response process in which the response counters the stimulus
Stimulus
An event or molecule that can initiate a response
Receptor
A structure that detects a signal or external change, usually a protein
Modulator
Location where information from receptors is sent to and compared to a set point, and where molecules altering the functioning of an effector are released. Also known as the processing centre
Effector
A molecule, cell, or organ that responds to a signal and produces a response
Hormone
A signaling molecule released from endocrine glands that regulates the growth or activity of target cells
Response
The action of a cell, organ, or organism caused by a stimulus
Transduction
The series of events that occur after the reception of a signal which results in the generation of a response
