Question

3 practice: define terms associated with a homeostatic system

which component of a homeostatic system combines information about a regulated variable and activates a component that changes the value of the variable?

a. effector
b. integrator
c. sensor
d. set point
e. i do not know the answer.

Explanation:

Identify the core question

The question asks for the component of a homeostatic system that processes incoming information about a regulated variable and triggers a response to adjust that variable.

Analyze the system components

Using the Homeostatic Control Loop and Integrator Component knowledge points:

• Sensor (receptor): Detects changes in the regulated variable and sends signals to the control center.
• Integrator (control center): Compares incoming sensory information with the set point and determines the appropriate response.
• Effector: Executes the response commanded by the integrator to adjust the variable.
• Set point: The target value or range for the regulated variable.

Determine the correct option

Using the Integrator Component knowledge point:
The component that combines/processes information and activates the effector is the integrator. This matches option (b).

Answer:

• a. effector
• b. integrator (Correct answer)
• c. sensor
• d. set point
• e. I do not know the answer.