Transient change

Definition

A transient change is a temporary alteration in the internal environment of an organism that occurs in response to a stimulus. It is typically followed by a return to baseline conditions once the stimulus is removed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transient changes are often part of the body's mechanisms to maintain homeostasis.
2. Examples of transient changes include fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate, and hormone levels.
3. These changes are usually short-lived and reversible.
4. Transient changes can be triggered by both external factors (like stress) and internal factors (such as metabolic needs).
5. Failure to revert from a transient change can lead to pathological conditions.

Review Questions

• What is meant by a transient change in the context of homeostasis?
• Can you provide an example of a transient change that helps maintain homeostasis?
• Why is it important for transient changes to revert back to baseline conditions?

Related terms

Homeostasis:

The maintenance of stable internal physiological conditions despite external changes.

Feedback Mechanism: A process that uses the condition of one component to regulate the function of another, often used in maintaining homeostasis.

Set Point:

The ideal value for a physiological parameter that the body attempts to maintain through homeostatic mechanisms.