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Homeostasis
Homeostasis Revision
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is simply the body’s way of maintaining its internal conditions so it can function properly and enzymes can work effectively. It is controlled by the autonomic control system using negative feedback.
What is Homeostasis?
All organisms and cells require specific internal conditions in order to function. This is mostly due to the continuous enzymatic reactions that occur in every cell that will only work under certain conditions.
The body must detect and respond to internal and external changes to maintain the optimum internal conditions; this is called homeostasis.
Examples include:
- Maintaining blood glucose concentration.
- Maintaining body temperature.
- Maintaining water levels.
Autonomic Control Systems
The process by which the body maintains the conditions of the internal environment is autonomic which means it happens automatically, without thought.
Autonomic control system:
- Receptors detect stimuli (changes in the environment) and send information to coordination centres such as the brain, spinal cord and pancreas.
- Coordination centres process the information and organise a response.
- Effectors produce a response to return the condition to its optimum level. The response may be chemical (e.g. hormones secreted from glands) or nervous (e.g. electrical impulses causing muscle contraction).
The autonomic control system works using negative feedback.
Homeostasis Example Questions
Question 1: What is homeostasis?
[1 mark]
Homeostasis is the process by which an organism or cell regulates its internal conditions in response to internal and external changes.
Question 2: Give the 2 types of response that effectors can produce.
[1 mark]
Chemical response or nervous response.
Question 3: What happens when the level of a certain condition is too low?
[3 marks]
- The change is detected by receptors.
- Coordination centres process the information and organise a response.
- Effectors produce a response which will increase the level of the condition.
Homeostasis Worksheet and Example Questions
Homeostasis Questions
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