4. The functional characteristics necessary to maintain life in humans are maintaining boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.
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5. Homeostasis is the bodies ability to maintain relatively stable internal conditions even though the outside changes continuously. It is significant because it maintains an equilibrium within the body to make sure all necessary functions are carried out and everything works properly.
6. Negative feedback mechanisms have an output which shuts off the original stimulus or reduces its intensity. In positive feedback mechanisms the response enhances the original stimulus so that the activity or output is accelerated.
7. The anatomical reference point in a standard body is called the anatomical position. In the anatomical position the body erect with the feet only slightly apart and the palms face forward with the thumbs away from the body. It is pictured on page 13 of the textbook.