Which component detects change in a regulated variable?

Which component detects change in a regulated variable?

• A. Integrating Center
• B. Effectors
• C. Sensors (receptors)
• D. Nerve cells

Answer: (C)

The component that detects change in a regulated variable is the sensors, also known as receptors. These specialized structures are responsible for monitoring specific conditions in the internal or external environment, such as temperature, pH, or the concentration of certain ions. When there is a deviation from a set point or normal range for these variables, the sensors send information to the integrating center. Sensors are crucial in maintaining homeostasis because they provide the first crucial step in the feedback mechanisms that regulate physiological processes. They ensure that any changes that occur are recognized, allowing for appropriate responses to maintain equilibrium within the body. In the context of the other choices, integrating centers process the information received from sensors but do not detect changes themselves. Effectors carry out responses based on the signals they receive from the integrating centers but also lack the ability to sense changes. Nerve cells, while they can function in signaling, do not specifically serve the role of detecting changes in regulated variables like dedicated sensors do.

The component that detects change in a regulated variable is the sensors, also known as receptors. These specialized structures are responsible for monitoring specific conditions in the internal or external environment, such as temperature, pH, or the concentration of certain ions. When there is a deviation from a set point or normal range for these variables, the sensors send information to the integrating center.

Sensors are crucial in maintaining homeostasis because they provide the first crucial step in the feedback mechanisms that regulate physiological processes. They ensure that any changes that occur are recognized, allowing for appropriate responses to maintain equilibrium within the body.

In the context of the other choices, integrating centers process the information received from sensors but do not detect changes themselves. Effectors carry out responses based on the signals they receive from the integrating centers but also lack the ability to sense changes. Nerve cells, while they can function in signaling, do not specifically serve the role of detecting changes in regulated variables like dedicated sensors do.