Anatomy vs physiology, homeostasis
Fri, Jan 29, 2027 · Week 2 · Human Anatomy & Physiology (Human Body Systems)
Today's goal: Distinguish anatomy from physiology and explain homeostasis using a feedback example.
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
Title (dated): Negative-Feedback Loop, Cooling Down When Too Hot
Labeled loop (in order):
- Stimulus: body temperature rises above the set point of about 37 degrees Celsius (for example, after exercise).
- Sensor (receptor): temperature receptors in the skin and the hypothalamus detect the rise.
- Control center: the hypothalamus compares the reading to the set point and signals a response.
- Effector: sweat glands and skin blood vessels.
- Response: sweating increases and skin vessels widen (vasodilation), releasing heat. Temperature drops back toward the set point, which shuts the loop off.
One-sentence summary: This is negative feedback because the response (cooling) opposes the original change (heating), pulling the body back to its set point.
Note on anatomy vs physiology: naming the sweat gland is anatomy (structure); explaining that sweating releases heat is physiology (function).
This model shows the level of evidence and organization needed to complete: A dated lab-notebook diagram of a negative-feedback loop for body temperature, with every component of the loop labeled in your own words.
- Date and label the entry.
- Record the procedure, observation, or design decision clearly.
- End with what the evidence means and the next step.
Keep the structure. Replace the question, facts, measurements, and evidence. Then recheck units, vocabulary, and whether the conclusion goes beyond the evidence.
Also due today: Submit a photo of your dated notebook page showing the completed loop diagram.
Turn in: Thermoregulation feedback loop diagram
Go to Schoology to turn this in.
Submit one PDF. Put your first and last name in the document header. Name the file: FirstName LastName - Assignment Title - YYYY-MM-DD.pdf.
Open Schoology PDF upload helpIf you cannot get in, see Mr. Mendoza. Do not skip the work.
Claim ceiling: Today's evidence supports a classroom claim about today's lesson. It cannot prove causation, diagnose a real patient, or justify action outside this room.
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
| Component | Role in the loop |
|---|---|
| Stimulus | Body temperature rises above set point |
| Sensor | Detects the change |
| Control center | Compares to set point and signals |
| Effector | Carries out the corrective response |
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.
It builds this reusable test skill: Labeling the components of a negative-feedback loop in thermoregulation.
- Name the concept or data pattern being tested.
- Cross out choices that violate that rule or the evidence.
- Justify the best remaining choice before checking the answer.