BIO 122 LECTURE 1: CONTROL SYSTEMS

J4R4FFE

Physiology
study of the functions of organisms (organ systems, organs,
tissues, cells)
structure-function relationship
Homeostasis: Central Theme of Physiology
state of equilibrium in which the internal environment of
the body (extracellular fluid) remains relatively constant
with respect to the external environment
Regulation = active stabilization of a parameter at or near a
particular level
Control System Components:
1. controlled variable
2. sensors
3. control center
4. effectors
Feedback Loops:
1. Positive Feedback
response that amplifies the change by accelerating the
process
rarely used by the body
2. Negative Feedback
main driver of homeostasis
a change in a variable causes a series of responses that
reverses the initial condition
Set Point = desired level of regulated variable
Error Signal = difference between actual level and set
point
ex. body temperature = temp rises detected by
thermoreceptors brain thermoregulatory centers
vasodilation (heat loss, sweating) body temp normal
Levels of Biological Regulation
1.
-

Nervous and Hormonal Networks

stimulus sensor control effector stimulus
A. Central and Peripheral Nervous System
Cranial Nerves: sensory, motor, sensory and motor
CNS = control centers; brain + spinal cord
PNS = receive impulse from sensors and send
impulses to effectors; cranial + spinal nerve
Nerve Cell:

dendrites

cell body/soma

axon

axon hillock = junction between soma and

axon; controls firing of action potential
(whether signal will be transmitted or not)

myelin sheath = helps in more rapid

transduction of signal

nodes of Ranvier = no myelin sheath

Saltatory Conduction = straight path travel of
impulses
Presynaptic Neuron = source neuron
Postsynaptic Neuron = receiving neuron
Messenger = neurotransmitters
communication via synapses = specialized
intercellular spaces between neuron and effector cell
or another neuron
kinds: Electrical and Chemical
neuron types based on direction of impulse

Sensory = sensory receptors of the sense organ

nerve center (CNS)

Motor = nerve center effectors (muscles,

glands)

Associative or Interneuron = connect sensory

and motor neurons; located in nerve center
Autonomic Nervous System
target effectors = internal effectors

smooth muscles

exocrine glands (must pass through duct)

endocrine glands (directly secretes to

bloodstream)

pacemaker of the heart

B.
-

Antagonistic Regulatory Effects:

Parasympathetic/Thoracolumbar
rest + digestive
when body is inactive
conserves energy; directs
housekeeping
digestion, excretion, urination
same no. of synapses
longer pre-ganglionic nerve
Ach in ganglion and end of postGN

Sympathetic/Craniosacral
fight, flight or fright
when body is active
focuses on functions necessary
to the moment
sweats, deep breathing,
increase in heart rate
same no. of synapses
longer post-ganglionic nerve
Ach in ganglion and NE at end
of post-GN

Cholinergic Fibers
secrete Ach as neurotransmitter
all pre-GN of P and S and postGN of P and some S
receptors of Ach:
muscarinic
nicotinic

Adrenergic Fibers
secrete NE as neurotransmitter
post-GN of S

Somatic
single synapse (directly
connected to skeletal muscle)

Autonomic
double synapse

receptors of NE:
alpha (1,2)
beta (1,2)

*Adrenal medulla = adjacent to kidney, nicotinic

C.
-

2.
-

3.
-

Endocrine System
T3, T4 (thyroid follicle cells; increase in metab rate)
TRH, TSH
Messenger: HORMONES
bloodstream circulation
feedback inhibition

glycogenolysis controlled by allosteric

regulators (glucose acts as inhibitor)
Neurons vs. Endocrine Channels between Control
Centers and Effectors

speed of response (high N)

duration of effect (high E)

Biochemical Regulation
ENZYMES as regulators

enzyme modulators

allosteric site where allosteric modulators bind

positive modulation (activator)

negative modulation (inhibitor)

Temporal Organization (Biological Clock)
Circadian Rhythms = biological process that displays and
endogenous (built-in), entrainable (adjusted) oscillation
of about 24 hours; ex. sleeping patterns