Control center

Definition

In the context of anatomy and physiology, a control center is a component of the body that receives information about a variable, processes it, and initiates responses to maintain homeostasis. It often involves specific areas of the brain or endocrine glands that regulate bodily functions.

Related terms

Homeostasis:

The maintenance of stable internal conditions within certain physiological limits despite changes in the external environment.

Receptor:

A structure in the body that monitors changes in the internal or external environment and sends this information to a control center.

Effector:

An organ or cell that acts in response to a stimulus from the control center to bring about change towards homeostasis