Homeostatic Regulation.
Homeostasis is the process of keeping everything the same in the body, such as body
temperature. One example of homeostasis is that it enables the body to remain at 37°C. Keeping
the temperature the same is not always easy when the outside environment is changing
constantly. But it is important so that all our cells function properly. Strenuous exercise, or living in
a hot or cold environment, affect our body temperature.
Homeostasis is so important because if any levels within the body (e.g. body temperature,
glucose, water level) becomes too high or too low, cells within the body can become damaged.
Homeostatic systems detect a change and respond by negative feedback. Homeostatic systems
involve receptors, a communication system and effectors (e.g. nervous system). Receptors detect
when a level is too high or too low, and the information is communicated via the nervous system or
the hormonal system to effectors. The effectors respond to counteract the change – thus bringing
the level back to its normal state. The mechanism that restores the level to normal is called a
negative feedback mechanism. Negative feedback keeps things around the normal level (e.g.
body temperature is usually kept within 0.5°C above or below 37°C. Negative feedback only works
Homeostasis is the process of keeping everything the same in the body, such as body
temperature. One example of homeostasis is that it enables the body to remain at 37°C. Keeping
the temperature the same is not always easy when the outside environment is changing
constantly. But it is important so that all our cells function properly. Strenuous exercise, or living in
a hot or cold environment, affect our body temperature.
Homeostasis is so important because if any levels within the body (e.g. body temperature,
glucose, water level) becomes too high or too low, cells within the body can become damaged.
Homeostatic systems detect a change and respond by negative feedback. Homeostatic systems
involve receptors, a communication system and effectors (e.g. nervous system). Receptors detect
when a level is too high or too low, and the information is communicated via the nervous system or
the hormonal system to effectors. The effectors respond to counteract the change – thus bringing
the level back to its normal state. The mechanism that restores the level to normal is called a
negative feedback mechanism. Negative feedback keeps things around the normal level (e.g.
body temperature is usually kept within 0.5°C above or below 37°C. Negative feedback only works
