Homeostasis is a simple term which holds a large significance in the functionality of the human body. This essay will discuss and define this term. Explanation as to why homeostasis is important to be maintained and two examples of homeostasis relevant to its control mechanism will be stated in this essay as well. The word homeostasis was first introduced by Walter B. Cannon, an American physiologist, to describe the body’s ability to maintain relative stability of its internal conditions even though there were constant changes in the surroundings outside. (Marieb & Hoehn, 2007). Thus, homeostasis is utterly defined as “the condition of equilibrium in the body’s internal environment due to the constant interaction of the body’s many …show more content…
The regulation of body temperature is one such mechanism to restore homeostasis. The human body temperature is controlled by the thermoregulatory centre in the hypothalamus which is located in the middle of the brain. Inputs are received form two sets of thermo-receptors. The first is the receptors in the hypothalamus itself which monitors the temperature of blood passing through the brain - the core temperature, and the second is the receptors in the skin which monitors external temperature. Both sets of the information are vital and are received alongside each other so that the appropriate adjustments can be made by the body. The thermoregulatory center sends impulses to several different effectors so body temperature can be adjusted swiftly. In the case of body temperature increasing (e.g. exercising or hot weather), the heat loss centre in the hypothalamus is triggered. The thermostat in the hypothalamus activates cooling mechanisms. Output is send to the effectors such as the smooth muscles (arterioles in the skin), and the sweat glands. Muscles relax causing vasodilatation – skin blood vessels dilate. Additional heat is carried from the core to the surface, where it is dissipated by convection and radiation. That is why the skin has a reddish appearance to it. Glands secrete sweat onto surface of the skin, which later evaporates. As water have a high latent heat of evaporation, meaning that extra energy is needed to aid the process of evaporation,
Homeostasis means keeping a constant internal environment in the body. Homeostasis reaches from every cell up to the whole of the organs and the systems.
The actual word homeostasis means "steady state". Homeostasis describes how the body regulates its process to keep its internal conditions as stable as possible. Homeostasis is
Conditions in the body have to be controlled with narrow limits. This is called homeostasis. These conditions include water content, ion content, body temperature and blood glucose concentration.
Homeostasis is the process of maintaining a fairly constant interval environment. Homeostatic mechanisms help us to be independent of our external environment. It helps us regulate our body temperature, pH, concentration of dissolved substance in the body fluids, concentration of glucose in blood, concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and body fluids, blood pressure and concentration of metabolic wastes. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to survive and adapt to our environment.
Homeostasis is an organisms way of stabilizing and keeping a consistent internal environment within the body while our external environment is always changing. The endocrine system plays a big role in this as hormones help regulate the cells. The stimulus controls the release of hormones into the blood, it either increases or decreases the amount released. The receptor then detects the change, and sends the information to the control center. The control center then analyzes the information and decides the appropriate response. The effector then receives the information sent by the control center, the effector either puts out negative feedback or positive feedback. Negative feedback will shut off the stimulus, and positive feedback will fasten
Homeostasis is a biological process that maintains a constant internal environment, regardless of what is going on in the external environment. This process ensures the bodily functions and chemicals are kept in a state of balance which in return allows the body to function optimally. Homeostasis requires coordination of the hormonal (endocrine system) and nervous systems, which together regulate the activity of the body’s organ systems. The regulatory activities are constantly adjusted in response to stimuli (change) from both the internal and external environment. A change influenced by the external environment can cause a state in the body that will take it away from the normal, the body will act to counteract this change and return the internal environment back to a steady state. This is negative feedback. Negative feedback has a stabilising effect reducing changes from a set point and returning internal conditions to a steady state. Most body systems e.g. controlling blood glucose levels, obtains homeostasis through negative feedback which makes the negative feedback system critically important in obtaining homeostasis. However there is also positive feedback which is a system that results in the escalation of a response to a stimulus. It causes instability in the system and is used when there is a specific outcome required. Positive feedback ceases once the natural resolution is reached e.g. baby is born, pathogen is destroyed, blood clot forms. This system is not used
Homeostasis is described as the body's ability to maintain internally stable conditions. Each organ plays a huge role in maintaining this stability.
In the human body the internal temperature is maintained at 37 degrees Celsius and this is maintained as a result of homeostasis. Homeostasis is the process of balancing or keeping a stable internal environment in the body. A majority of organ systems in the body contribute to homeostasis, however there are two very important organ systems that play a massive role within this process, and they are the endocrine and nervous system. Both are crucial as they permit communication in the body and the integration of cells as well as tissue functions.
All systems must have homeostasis to maintain stability and to survive. Homeostasis is so important because it can allow an animal to adapt to a changing environment. The body attempts to maintain a constant level of physical output to achieve homeostasis. However, it can only work within its limits, where extreme conditions can disable the negative feedback mechanism.
Homeostasis is the equilibrium of the body. Homeostasis is maintained by the balance of our vital signs to keep us on an even keel. The definition of Homeostasis is, “Homeostasis is the compensation of the vital signs
Homeostasis is maintaining constant internal conditions regardless of changing external conditions. It is important because it is the key to survival as without it the body would come to equilibrium with its environment which would result in death.
Homeostasis is the body’s way of maintaining a steady balance in the internal organs regardless of fluctuations in the external environment. Homeostasis is an important function in all humans and animals as keeping a stable environment requires constant adjustments as the environment changes. Homeostasis requires the coordination of both the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems; they regulate the body’s internal organs.
What is homeostasis? Homeostasis is the ability or tendency of an organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes. (McGraw-Hill) How does the body maintain homeostatic balance? Each organ system helps in some way to maintain homeostasis. However, the organ systems also work together to maintain a constant internal environment. There are seven organ systems (Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Respiratory, and Nervous) within the body. (McGraw-Hill)
Homeostasis is what physiological systems in our bodies do in order to maintain a stable internal environment. Stability is held together by the coordinated responses of the components involved to any stress or unfamiliar situation that the human body is put under that could disrupt its normal functioning conditions. Homeostasis must be maintained constantly in order for our bodies to be able to function properly and not under stress which could have major effects later on in life.
Homeostasis can have many different applications in everyday life. It can mean keeping the body in balance, in regards to weight, health etc. It can mean keeping the mind in balance, not sinking into a depression, not succumbing to harmful addictions, or not caving under everyday stress. I feel this term is very important, because developing balance, or homeostasis in my life was one of the main ways I battled and won depression. I plan on entering the field of counseling psychology, because of this I want to learn more about homeostasis.