All Flashcards
What is the definition of homeostasis?
The maintenance of a stable internal environment.
What is a negative feedback loop?
A mechanism that reduces or reverses a change, bringing the system back to its set point.
What is a positive feedback loop?
A mechanism that amplifies a change, pushing the system further away from its initial state.
What is insulin?
A hormone released by the pancreas that signals the liver to take up glucose and store it as glycogen.
What is glucagon?
A hormone released by the pancreas that signals the liver to break down glycogen into glucose.
What is glycogen?
A long chain of sugar (glucose) used for energy storage in the liver.
What is oxytocin?
A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.
What are the key differences between negative and positive feedback loops?
Negative Feedback: Reduces change, maintains homeostasis | Positive Feedback: Amplifies change, accelerates processes.
Compare Type I and Type II Diabetes.
Type I: Body doesn't produce enough insulin. | Type II: Liver becomes resistant to insulin.
What are the steps of blood sugar regulation when blood sugar is high?
- Blood glucose levels rise. 2. Pancreas releases insulin. 3. Liver takes up glucose and stores it as glycogen. 4. Blood glucose levels decline.
What are the steps of blood sugar regulation when blood sugar is low?
- Blood glucose levels drop. 2. Pancreas releases glucagon. 3. Liver breaks down glycogen into glucose. 4. Glucose is released into the bloodstream.
What are the steps of childbirth involving positive feedback?
- Body releases oxytocin. 2. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions. 3. Baby's head pushes against the cervix, signaling the brain to release more oxytocin. 4. Stronger contractions occur until birth.