All Flashcards
What is the definition of homeostasis?
The maintenance of a stable internal environment.
What is a negative feedback loop?
A mechanism that reduces or reverses a change, bringing the system back to its set point.
What is a positive feedback loop?
A mechanism that amplifies a change, pushing the system further away from its initial state.
What is insulin?
A hormone released by the pancreas that signals the liver to take up glucose and store it as glycogen.
What is glucagon?
A hormone released by the pancreas that signals the liver to break down glycogen into glucose.
What is glycogen?
A long chain of sugar (glucose) used for energy storage in the liver.
What is oxytocin?
A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.
What are the steps of blood sugar regulation when blood sugar is high?
- Blood glucose levels rise. 2. Pancreas releases insulin. 3. Liver takes up glucose and stores it as glycogen. 4. Blood glucose levels decline.
What are the steps of blood sugar regulation when blood sugar is low?
- Blood glucose levels drop. 2. Pancreas releases glucagon. 3. Liver breaks down glycogen into glucose. 4. Glucose is released into the bloodstream.
What are the steps of childbirth involving positive feedback?
- Body releases oxytocin. 2. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions. 3. Baby's head pushes against the cervix, signaling the brain to release more oxytocin. 4. Stronger contractions occur until birth.
What is the effect of insulin release?
The liver takes up glucose and stores it as glycogen, lowering blood glucose levels.
What is the effect of glucagon release?
The liver breaks down glycogen into glucose, raising blood glucose levels.
What is the effect of oxytocin release during childbirth?
Uterine contractions become stronger and more frequent.
What is the effect of the liver becoming resistant to insulin (Type II Diabetes)?
Blood glucose levels remain high, leading to potential health issues.
What is the effect of insufficient insulin production (Type I Diabetes)?
Blood glucose levels remain high, as the liver doesn't take up glucose effectively.