define homeostasis
an equilibrium between an organism’s physiological functions and between the organism and the environment
- response to changing envrironments
define steady state
achieved by self adjustment (opposite is death)
define dynamic equilibrium
remains stable with fluctuation limits
components of control systems/feedback loops:
process of control systems/feedback loops
define negative feedback loop
define positive feedback loops
example of negative feedback loop
body provides insulin when blood pressure is low
example of positive feedback loop
childbirth
1. decrease in progesterone (prevents preterm birth), increase in uterine contraction
2. release of oxytocin, increase in stronger contractions
3. baby expelled, contractions stop, release of oxytocin stops
chemical signals
nervous vs endocrine system
nervous: involved with high speed messages
endocrine: involved in the production, release, and movement of chemical messengers
role of the nervous system
function of CNS
(brain and spinal cord) integrates and processes info from nerves (PNS)
function of PNS
(nerve network) carries sensory messages to CNS (afferent) + sends info from CNS to muscles/glands (efferent)
PNS: afferent system
carries TOWARDS
- receives messages from receptors/body and transmits to CNS/brain for interpretation by afferent neurons (sensory neuron)
PNS: efferent system
carries AWAY
- messages from brain to effectors (muscles/glands) by efferent neurons (motor neurons)
- divided into somatic and autonomic
PNS: efferent system: somatic system
PNS: efferent system: autonomic system
PNS: efferent system: autonomic system: sympathetic division
PNS: efferent system: autonomic system: parasympathetic division
two kinds of cells of nervous system:
two kinds of cells of nervous system: neurons (nerve cells)
-structural/functional
specialized to:
- respond to physical/chemical stimuli
- conduct electrochemical signals
- release chemicals that regulate body processes
organized into tissues: nerves
- same features as other body cells (cell membrane, cytoplasm)
- 4 common features among different types
two kinds of cells of nervous system: neurons/nerve cells: four common features
two kinds of cells of nervous system: glial cells (covering of a wire you plug in)