what is a system
a set of interacting or interrelated components working together to form a unified whole
what does systems thinking help you do
seeing the bigger picture helps us understand how actions and decisions impact the whole system
helps us solve problems by addressing root causes rather than just symptoms
what do systems work together to do
maintain homeostasis
what is the difference between positive and negative feedback loops
negative feedback loops counteract a change to maintain stability
in positive feedback loops a change causes additional changes in a loop, moving the system away from its starting point until a specific outcome is reached
stomates
tiny pores on a plant’s leaves that open and close to regulate gas exchange
stomates feedback loop
feedback mechanism: when the environment is dry, the plants detect low water levels
response: guard cells surrounding the stomate lose water, causing them to close and prevent further water loss
transpiration
loss of water from the leaves
thermoregulation
the system for maintaining a stable internal body temperature
what happens to your body when your core body temp drops BELOW 98.6 degrees
- thermoreceptors in your skin and blood vessels detect the temperature change and send signals to your brain
- hypothalamus compares actual temp to set point
- shivering, vasoconstriction, hormones released
what is shivering
when muscles contract rapidly generating heat
what is vasoconstriction
blood vessels constrict or narrow to limit blood flow to the surface and reduces heat loss
what is the hormonal response to being cold
glands release hormones that increase metabolic rate, increasing heat production
what happens to your body when your core body temp drops ABOVE 98.6 degrees
- signals are sent to sweat glands to increase sweat production
- as sweat evaporates, it cools the body and removes heat
- vasodilation
what is vasodilation
blood vessels dilate or widen to allow both blood flow closer to the surface transferring heat away from organs
what is the role of the digestive system in sugar regulation
breaks down food into glucose
what is the role of the endocrine system in sugar regulation
regulates blood sugar
what is the role of insulin in sugar regulation
lowers blood sugar levels
what is the role of the circulatory system in sugar regulation
transports glucose and hormones
what is the role of the pancreas in sugar regulation
releasing insulin to lower high glucose levels and glucagon to raise low glucose levels
an organ that acts in both digestive and endocrine systems
cellular respiration
oxygen + glucose –>
carbon dioxide + water + energy
photosynthesis
carbon dioxide + water + sunlight –>
oxygen + glucose
