Principles of homeostasis

• Why is homeostasis necessary for living organisms?

  Homeostasis is necessary to maintain optimal conditions for enzyme activity and metabolic processes.
• What is a sensory receptor?

  A sensory receptor is a specialized cell that detects a stimulus.
• What is the function of a sensory neurone?

  A sensory neurone carries information from sensory receptors to the brain.
• What is the role of a motor neurone?

  A motor neurone sends impulses to effectors to bring about changes in the body.
• What is an effector?

  An effector is a muscle or gland that responds to a stimulus.
• What is the role of receptors, neurones, and effectors in homeostasis?

  • Receptors detect changes in the environment.
  • Sensory neurones transmit information to the brain.
  • Motor neurones send impulses to effectors.
  • Effectors (muscles or glands) respond to restore equilibrium in the body.
• What is meant by the term negative feedback within an organism?

  It refers to a process that counteracts a change in the body to maintain homeostasis, marinating a normal range by reducing the initial effect of the stimulus
• What are several examples of negative feedback systems used in the body?

  • Control of blood sugar levels by insulin and glucagon
  • Temperature regulation
  • Water balance
• How does negative feedback work in response to a stimulus?

  It involves detecting a change, responding to it, and then decreasing the response to return to ideal conditions.
• Which problem would be the most difficult to treat in a negative feedback system?

  The sensory receptor doesn't detect the stimulus would be the most difficult to treat.
• What is meant by the term "positive feedback"?

  It is a response that causes the original change to move further from the normal range.
• What role does positive feedback play in blood clotting?

  It amplifies the response to a damaged blood vessel by promoting further clotting.
• How does positive feedback function during childbirth?

  It stimulates contractions that push the baby’s head against the cervix, leading to more contractions.
• How does positive feedback work in a biological context?

  • Change is detected
  • Responses reinforce the change
  • Conditions continue to change
  • Positive feedback amplifies the original stimulus
• Why is positive feedback less common than negative feedback?

  Positive feedback cannot be used to maintain a factor within a constant range like negative feedback can.
• What could be a consequence of excessive positive feedback?

  It could lead to dangerous conditions due to the lack of regulation.