Homeostasis
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) · Unit 14: Coordination and response · 11 flashcards
Homeostasis is topic 14.4 in the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) syllabus , positioned in Unit 14 — Coordination and response , alongside Coordination and response, Sense organs and Hormones. In one line: Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment within the body. This ensures optimal conditions for enzyme action and cell function. An example is the regulation of body temperature and blood glucose levels.
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).
The deck below contains 11 flashcards — 1 definition, 3 key concepts, 6 process cards and 1 application card — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the definition card to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment within the body. This ensures optimal conditions for enzyme action and cell function. An example is the regulation of body temperature and blood glucose levels.
What the Cambridge 0610 syllabus says
2026-2028 syllabus, in our wordsWhat the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).
- Describe Describe homeostasis as keeping the body's internal environment constant.
- State State that insulin lowers the concentration of glucose in the blood.
- Explain Explain how negative feedback gives homeostatic control, referring to a set point. Supplement
- Describe Describe how the liver controls the concentration of glucose in the blood, and the roles insulin and glucagon play. Supplement
- Outline Outline how Type 1 diabetes is treated. Supplement
- Identify Identify these parts on diagrams and images of the skin: blood vessels, fatty tissue, hairs, hair erector muscles, receptors, sensory neurones and sweat glands. Supplement
- Describe Describe how mammals keep their internal body temperature constant, with reference to the brain's role, shivering, sweating and insulation. Supplement
- Describe Describe how mammals keep their internal body temperature constant through vasodilation and vasoconstriction of the arterioles that supply capillaries near the skin surface. Supplement
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment within the body. This ensures optimal conditions for enzyme action and cell function. An example is the regulation of body temperature and blood glucose levels.
What is the role of insulin in blood glucose regulation?
Insulin decreases blood glucose concentration by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells, especially liver and muscle cells, where it is converted to glycogen for storage. This process helps to lower blood sugar levels after a meal.
Explain homeostatic control using negative feedback.
Negative feedback involves a response that counteracts the initial stimulus to maintain a set point.
Describe the role of the liver in blood glucose regulation.
The liver stores glucose as glycogen when blood glucose levels are high (stimulated by insulin) and breaks down glycogen into glucose to release into the blood when levels are low (stimulated by glucagon).
What is the role of glucagon in blood glucose regulation?
Glucagon increases blood glucose concentration by stimulating the liver to break down glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream. This occurs when blood glucose levels are too low.
Outline the treatment for Type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is treated with regular insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump to maintain blood glucose levels within a normal range. Careful monitoring of blood glucose is also essential.
Describe how the body maintains a constant internal body temperature through sweating.
Sweating releases sweat onto the skin surface. As the sweat evaporates, it absorbs heat from the body, cooling the skin and reducing body temperature. This is crucial during exercise or in hot environments.
Describe how the body maintains a constant internal body temperature through shivering.
Shivering involves rapid, involuntary muscle contractions, which generate heat and raise body temperature. This is a response to cold conditions, helping to restore the body's internal temperature.
What is vasodilation and how does it help regulate body temperature?
Vasodilation is the widening of arterioles supplying skin surface capillaries, allowing more blood to flow near the skin's surface. This increases heat loss through radiation, cooling the body down when it's too hot.
What is vasoconstriction and how does it help regulate body temperature?
Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of arterioles supplying skin surface capillaries, reducing blood flow near the skin's surface. This decreases heat loss through radiation, helping to conserve heat when it's cold.
What is the role of the brain in thermoregulation?
The hypothalamus in the brain acts as the thermoregulatory center. It receives information about body temperature and initiates responses like shivering, sweating, vasodilation, and vasoconstriction to maintain a stable internal temperature.
Key Questions: Homeostasis
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment within the body. This ensures optimal conditions for enzyme action and cell function. An example is the regulation of body temperature and blood glucose levels.
More topics in Unit 14 — Coordination and response
Homeostasis sits alongside these Biology decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 0610 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Key terms covered in this Homeostasis deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
Related Biology guides
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