What is homeostasis and how is it maintained?
Answer (1)
Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. This stability is necessary for cells to function properly and for the body to survive.Examples of what homeostasis controls:Body temperatureBlood pressureBlood glucose levelpH of bloodWater and electrolyte balanceHow it is maintained: Homeostasis is regulated by feedback mechanisms, especially negative feedback. In a negative feedback loop:A change or stimulus is detected by receptors.The control center (usually the brain or endocrine gland) processes the information.Effectors (like muscles or glands) respond to bring the condition back to normal.Example: When body temperature rises due to heat, sweat glands are activated, and blood vessels dilate to release heat—this cools the body back to normal.In contrast, if blood glucose drops too low, the pancreas releases glucagon, which raises glucose levels. If glucose is too high, it releases insulin to lower it.Homeostasis involves constant monitoring and adjustments. If it is disrupted for long periods, it can result in disease (e.g., diabetes from poor glucose regulation or dehydration from fluid imbalance).
