Homeostasis

In this chapter, you will learn to:

• Define homeostasis and explain its significance for mammals.

• Describe the principles of homeostasis, including the roles of stimuli, receptors, effectors, and how the nervous and endocrine systems coordinate responses.

• Explain the role of negative feedback in maintaining homeostasis.

• State that urea is produced in the liver through the deamination of excess amino acids.

• Describe the structure of the human kidney and identify the parts of a nephron and its associated blood vessels in diagrams.

• Explain how urine is produced within nephrons.

• Detail the structure of the Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule, and explain their adaptations for ultrafiltration and selective reabsorption.

• Describe how the kidneys regulate blood water potential and explain the coordination of osmoregulation.

• Explain the principles of cell signaling involved in the regulation of blood glucose by glucagon.

• Describe how blood glucose levels are controlled.

• Explain how test strips and biosensors measure glucose concentrations in blood and urine, including the roles of glucose oxidase and peroxidase enzymes.