Homeostasis & ResponseTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Homeostasis Introduction
Part of Homeostasis Intro — GCSE Biology
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Homeostasis Introduction within Homeostasis Intro for GCSE Biology. Topic 1: Homeostasis Intro It is section 13 of 13 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 13 of 13
Practice
15 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Topic Summary: Homeostasis Introduction
Key Terms
- Homeostasis — regulation of internal conditions to maintain optimum conditions for function
- Receptor — detects a change (stimulus)
- Coordination centre — processes information; sends instructions to effector
- Effector — muscle or gland; carries out the corrective response
- Negative feedback — response opposes and reverses the original change
- Internal environment — conditions inside the body (temperature, glucose, water, pH)
- Optimum conditions — conditions at which enzymes work at maximum efficiency
Key Facts
- Body temperature maintained at 37°C (enzyme optimum)
- Blood glucose range: 4–8 mmol/L
- Blood pH range: 7.35–7.45
- Control loop: receptor → coordination centre → effector → response → return to normal
- Nervous system: fast, short-lived, specific target
- Endocrine system: slower, long-lasting, widespread effects
- Coordination centres: hypothalamus (temp), pancreas (glucose), kidneys (water)
The Control Loop
- 1. Condition deviates from normal
- 2. Receptor detects the change
- 3. Coordination centre processes signal
- 4. Effector produces corrective response
- 5. Response opposes the original change
- 6. Condition returns to normal range
- 7. Effector response switches off