Introduction to Homeostasis
This is another name for the electrical signals that are used to respond quickly to changes
Nerve impulses
This type of neuron carries impulses from sensory receptors toward the central nervous system (CNS)
Sensory neuron
This brain structure acts as the body's primary homeostatic thermostat, sensing shifts in temperature and blood chemistry
Hypothalamus
These are the other names for epinephrine and norepinephrine
Adrenaline and noradrenaline
This autoimmune disease is characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin due to the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas
Type 1 Diabetes
This is the primary mechanism used by the body to counteract a change and bring a variable back to its ideal or normal range
Negative feedback
This is the electrical potential across the plasma membrane of a non-conducting neuron, typically measured at approximately -70 mV
Resting membrane potential
This tissue type consists of unmyelinated neurons and can be found around the outside of the brain and forms an H-shaped core of the spinal cord
Grey matter
These two antagonistic hormones, secreted by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas function to regulate blood glucose levels
Insulin and glucagon
This branch of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response, dilating pupils and increasing heart rate when there is a perceived threat
Sympathetic nervous system
This system controls slower responses, like growth or changes in your body during puberty
Endocrine system
During an action potential, the rapid opening of voltage-gated channels allows these ions to rush into the axon, making the inside temporary positive
Sodium ions (Na+)
This tissue protects the central nervous system by preventing the direct circulation of blood through the cells of the brain and spinal cord
Meninges
Produced by the adrenal cortex, this steroid hormone helps the body manage long-term stress by increasing blood sugar levels
Cortisol
This is the brief period immediately following an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire another impulse, ensuring the signal travels in only one direction
Refractory period
This mechanism works to amplify, strengthen or increase a change in a variable until an endpoint is reached
Positive feedback
This fatty insulated layer, formed by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system, increases the speed of nerve impulse conduction
Myelin sheath
When we divide each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex, this structure receives and analyzes visual information, and is needed for recognition of what is being seen
Occipital lobe
The sympathetic nervous system works with this structure to prepare the body for a short-term stress response by increasing metabolism
Adrenal medulla
These are the classifications of the two types of hormones in the endocrine system
Steroid (lipid-soluble) and water-soluble hormones
This system helps to remove waste from the blood and maintain the correct amount of ions and other molecules in the blood
Excretory system
This neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular junction to stimulate muscle contraction, and is subsequently broken down by a specific enzyme to prevent continuous stimulation
Acetylcholine
This is a walnut-shaped structure located below the cerebrum, and is involved in the involuntary coordination of posture, reflexes and body movements, along with fine, voluntary motor skills
Cerebellum
When hormones target endocrine glands and stimulate them to release other hormones, we call this
Tropic hormone
This is the process by which synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
Exocytosis