Biology Flashcards: Define Homeostasis And Feedback

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Define Homeostasis And Feedback, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for Biology.

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Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is osmoregulation?

Answer: Homeostatic control of water balance and solute concentration. Prevents cells from shrinking or swelling dangerously.

Flashcard 2: What is meant by a set point in homeostatic regulation?

Answer: The target value or narrow range for a regulated variable. Like a thermostat setting - the ideal value to maintain.

Flashcard 3: What is a regulated variable in homeostasis?

Answer: A measurable internal condition kept near a set point. Examples include temperature, pH, and glucose levels.

Flashcard 4: What is thermoregulation?

Answer: Homeostatic control of internal body temperature. Maintains optimal body temperature for enzyme function.

Flashcard 5: What is homeostasis in a biological organism?

Answer: Maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external change. Keeps vital conditions like temperature and pH stable.

Flashcard 6: What is a regulated variable in homeostasis?

Answer: A measurable internal condition kept near a set point. Examples include temperature, pH, and glucose levels.

Flashcard 7: What is a stimulus in a homeostatic feedback loop?

Answer: A change in a regulated variable that triggers a response. Acts as the initial disturbance that starts the feedback loop.

Flashcard 8: What is a receptor (sensor) in a feedback mechanism?

Answer: A structure that detects change in a regulated variable. Like a thermometer - monitors conditions continuously.

Flashcard 9: What is an example of a regulated variable related to respiration?

Answer: Blood $CO_2$ concentration (or blood pH). High $CO_2$ triggers increased breathing rate.

Flashcard 10: What is glucose homeostasis?

Answer: Regulation of blood glucose concentration near a set point. Keeps blood sugar stable for cellular energy needs.

Flashcard 11: What is the control center (integrator) in a feedback mechanism?

Answer: The component that compares input to the set point and directs output. The 'brain' that processes information and makes decisions.

Flashcard 12: What is the main result of positive feedback loops?

Answer: To intensify change until an endpoint stops the loop. They accelerate processes until completion or limit.

Flashcard 13: What is the main goal of negative feedback loops?

Answer: To counteract deviations and stabilize internal conditions. They reverse changes to restore normal conditions.

Flashcard 14: What term describes the normal operating range around a set point?

Answer: Normal range (acceptable range). Defines acceptable variation without triggering responses.

Flashcard 15: What is the general sequence of components in a feedback loop?

Answer: Stimulus → receptor → control center → effector → response. Shows how information flows through the control system.

Flashcard 16: What is dynamic equilibrium in homeostasis?

Answer: Small fluctuations around a set point while remaining stable overall. Constant adjustments maintain average stability over time.

Flashcard 17: Which type of feedback typically drives a process to completion?

Answer: Positive feedback. It accelerates until reaching a natural stopping point.

Flashcard 18: Which type of feedback is most commonly used to maintain homeostasis?

Answer: Negative feedback. It stabilizes conditions rather than amplifying changes.

Flashcard 19: What is positive feedback in biological regulation?

Answer: A response that amplifies the initial change, moving away from set point. Accelerates change rather than stopping it.

Flashcard 20: What is negative feedback in homeostasis?

Answer: A response that reduces the initial change and returns toward set point. Like a thermostat - opposes change to maintain stability.

Flashcard 21: What is a feedback mechanism in biology?

Answer: A regulatory process in which a system’s output influences the system. Creates loops where output affects future input.

Flashcard 22: What is an effector in a feedback mechanism?

Answer: A muscle, gland, or organ that carries out the corrective response. The 'worker' that actually makes the physical changes.

Flashcard 23: What is the key difference between negative and positive feedback outcomes?

Answer: Negative stabilizes near set point; positive amplifies until an endpoint. Negative maintains stability; positive drives completion.

Flashcard 24: Identify the effectors used to raise body temperature in humans.

Answer: Skeletal muscles (shivering) and skin blood vessels (vasoconstriction). Both promote heat conservation and generation.

Flashcard 25: Identify the effectors used to lower body temperature in humans.

Answer: Sweat glands and skin blood vessels (vasodilation). Both promote heat loss through different mechanisms.

Flashcard 26: Identify the control center in human thermoregulation.

Answer: Hypothalamus. Brain region that processes temperature information.

Flashcard 27: What is the most accurate statement about set points in the body?

Answer: Set points can shift within limits (for example, fever alters temperature). Set points can be adjusted based on physiological needs.

Flashcard 28: What is the relationship between feedback mechanisms and survival?

Answer: They maintain internal conditions required for enzyme and cell function. Stable conditions are essential for cellular processes.

Flashcard 29: What is the term for the corrective change produced by effectors?

Answer: Response. The actual change produced by effector activation.

Flashcard 30: What is the meaning of “input” in a feedback mechanism?

Answer: Information sent from receptors to the control center. Sensory data about current conditions being monitored.