Homeostasis and Response¶
This topic area explains how organisms detect change and keep internal conditions in workable limits. Nerves and hormones are different signalling systems solving the same control problem.
Core Role¶
- Explain the receptor-coordination centre-effector model clearly.
- Connect rapid nervous responses with slower hormonal control.
- Show that stable internal conditions are necessary for cells and enzymes to work well.
Topic Pages¶
- Homeostasis: Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment. The main idea is that cells and enzymes work best within narrow limits, so the body must detect change and respond automatically.
- The Human Nervous System: The nervous system coordinates rapid responses to change. It is best understood as an information system that detects stimuli, processes them and sends impulses to effectors.
- Hormonal Coordination in Humans: Hormones are chemical messengers carried in the blood. Compared with nervous impulses they usually act more slowly, but they can produce longer-lasting and body-wide effects.
- Plant Hormones: Plant hormones coordinate growth rather than rapid movement. Auxin is the main example and explains how plants respond to light and gravity.