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Homeostasis
Homeostasis
In addition, the AP exam tends to blend body systems in the free response section. A student is more
likely to see a question centered on a theme like transport of amterials via the digestive, respiratory, and
circulatory systems than a pure question on the excretory system for example. This rule is not iron-clad
as 2 pure immune questions have been asked recently (2007 form B and 2005).
The AP exam tends to favor the following systems primarily: Nervous, Immune, Endocrine
The AP exam tends to favor the following systems secondarily: Respiratory, Circulatory, Excretory
The AP exam seems to nearly neglect the integumentary (except as it relates to nonspecific immunity)
and skeletal (except as it relates to classification/evolution) systems.
Note: The homeostasis question on which this prep packet is based was asked nearly identically in 2000
and 2004. If this trend were to persist, one would expect to see the homeostasis question soon.
Homeostasis Basics
Homeostasis is a steady, yet dynamic state. The organism will attempt to maintain a steady state (such as
body temperature in endotherms), but may have to change or make adjustments (dynamic) by shivering in
order to do so. In addition, the organism may shift response entirely in specific situations (positive
feedback below).
Generally homeostatic systems consist of (a) receptor(s), a control center, and (an) effector(s.)
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
Blood clotting, complement proteins in the immune system, and inflammation are additional
examples of positive feedback loops.
Homeostasis: Hunger
Stomach Fullness:
The hypothalamus monitors the fullness of
volume of the stomach. A stomach with much
empty space results in feelings of hunger.
This explains why calorie poor foods such as
lettuce or celery may curb the appetite
somewhat initially.
Blood Sugar:
When blood sugar is low between meals for
example, glucagon is released from the
pancreas. The presence of glucagon results in
the breakdown of glycogen (polymer of
glucose stored in the liver). The glucose is
dumped into the blood stream raising blood
sugar levels.
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
Freshwater organisms:
The priority is to maintain electrolytes while riding itself of H2O.
A protist may simply use contractile vacuoles to shoot out excess water
Most multicellular organisms will simply manufacture very dilute urine in order to deal with
excess water.
Osmoregulation: Land dwelling organisms
The basics:
Whether it is the metanephridia of an earthworm, the malpighian tubules of an insect, or the
nephron of a mammal. Most systems proceed as follows:
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
Mammalian Kidney:
Physical filtration due to pressure Mammalian Kidney
across fenestrated capillaries occurs
at the glomerulus.
Filtrate proceeds into the Bowmans
capsule
The loop of Henle descends down
and back up through the renal cortex
and medulla. The deeper portions of
the medulla are more concentrated in
salt and urea resulting in various
stages of osmosis, diffusion, and
active transport as primarily H2O is
reabsorbed (98-99% of all H2O in the
filtrate is reabsorbed).
Excretion occurs when the
remnants travel through the
collecting duct and are eventually
passed as urine.
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
Multiple Choice
1. Which of the following best explains the role of the end product (isoleucine) in this diagram?
Isoleucine
3. The system above shares much in common with all of the following EXCEPT:
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
7. Which of the following correctly describes the order of events in the mammalian kidney?
(A) FiltrationReabsorptionExcretionSecretion
(B) FiltrationReabsorptionSecretionExcretion
(C) ReabsorptionFiltrationSecretionExcretion
(D) SecretionFiltrationReabsorptionExcretion
(E) SecretionReabsorptionFiltrationExcretion
8. Land dwelling mammals are able to regulate body temperature through all of the following
mechanisms EXCEPT:
(A) Sweating
(B) Shivering
(C) Metabolic adjustments
(D) Dilation or constriction of vessels
(E) Increasing specific heat of tissue
9. Damage to the human medulla oblongata would most likely result in which of the following.
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
I. catabolism of carbohydrates
II. catabolism of amino acids
III. fatty acid metabolism
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) III only
(D) I and II only
(E) I and III only
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
Free Response
1. The circulatory system is instrumental in delivering oxygen to all cells of the body.
In a controlled experiment, a scientist chose to test the relationship between heart rate and
exercise on a group of individuals. The results are displayed below.
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
B. Describe the structure of hemoglobin and describe how this structure aids in optimum
oxygen delivery to working muscles.
C. It is expected that the heart rate will increase in an exercising individual. Describe how
the brain monitors respiratory and heart rate in order to maintain homeostasis. Describe
the corresponding response to vigorous exercise.
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Homeostasis Across Body Systems
Free Response
i. body temperature
ii. blood sugar
B. Animals maintain water balance (osmolarity) through various means. Describe methods by
which a saltwater and fresh water fish maintain osmolarity and explain the necessity of specific
adaptations for the success of land dwelling animals with regard to water balance. Give examples
where possible
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