Homeostasis
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the process of keeping the body’s internal environment stable and balanced.
What happens to your body temperature when you exercise, and how does your body respond?
Body temperature increases during exercise. The body responds by sweating and increasing blood flow to the skin to help cool down.
What is the proper name for a nerve cell?
Neuron
What is a negative feedback loop?
Negative feedback reverses a change to return the body to homeostasis.
TRUE or FALSE: Your brain can send messages through nerves faster than a racing car can drive.
True! Some nerve signals travel over 100 metres per second.
Why is it important for the human body to keep a stable internal environment?
Cells and organs work best under stable conditions, so homeostasis helps the body function properly and stay healthy.
What is a stimulus for the feedback loop of maintaining homeostatic body temperature?
Increase or decrease in body temperature.
What is the job of the spinal cord?
The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
What is a positive feedback loop?
Positive feedback takes the body away from homeostasis.
TRUE or FALSE: Your body temperature stays exactly the same all day.
False — it changes slightly throughout the day but stays within a safe range.
Give one example of homeostasis in the body and explain how it works.
Body temperature (37 degrees)
What is the receptor for the feedback loop of maintaining homeostatic body temperature?
Hypothalamus
What are the central and peripheral nervous systems made up of?
Central = brain & spinal cord
Peripheral = branching nerves throughout body
Give an example of a negative feedback loop.
TRUE or FALSE: The brain and nervous system have no role in homeostasis.
False — they are essential for detecting and responding to changes in the body.
A person stands outside on a very hot day. Describe two ways the body helps maintain homeostasis and explain why these responses are useful.
What is the control centre for the feedback loop of maintaining homeostatic body temperature?
What is the name of the branching extension that connect to the cell body of a neuron?
Dendrites
Give an example of a positive feedback loop.
Childbirth
TRUE or FALSE: Shivering is your body trying to get rid of heat.
False - muscles contract rapidly to warm the body.
Identify another factor in the body that needs to be kept at homeostasis.
Blood sugar
Water levels
Electrolyte balance
Oxygen levels
Name two effectors for the feedback loop of maintaining homeostatic body temperature?
Veins/arteries
Sweat glands
Muscles (shivering)
Name the three types of neurons and state their function.
Interneurons = connect sensory & motor neurons
How is childbirth an example of positive feedback?
Contractions during childbirth become stronger and more frequent until the baby is born.
TRUE or FALSE: During exercise, blood vessels near the skin can widen to release heat.
True — this process helps cool the body down.