Unit 12 - Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction
Institution
PEARSON (PEARSON)
Unit 12 - Assignment 5 - Homeostasis - Distinction
For task 3 (where answers are in bullet points) I suggest you make a power point or slides and include pictures.
Unit 12 - Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction
All documents for this subject (5)
1
review
By: leahplantlp • 1 year ago
Seller
Follow
nicolajankowska
Reviews received
Content preview
MECHANISMS OF HOMEOSTASIS
IMPORTANCE OF HOMEOSTASIS
Homeostasis is a mechanism which maintains and controls the levels of chemical composition,
tissue fluid and other features of blood and other features of the internal environment. The balance
is controlled by regulating the limits continuously within a range that is safe for the body and
suitable to allow the body to function accurately, regardless of any changes to the external
environment. Some of the fluctuating changes that occur outside and inside the body include;
temperature, water potential and pH changes. Homeostasis is able to bring the changes back to
the optimal point to maintain equilibrium. Homeostasis also plays a key role in other functions
within the body such as;
- Allowing enzymes to work effectively by making sure that the temperature and pH are
within their optimum levels to prevent denaturing which could reduce the rate of reaction.
Enzymes are responsible for reactions that take place within cells and those are extremely
sensitive to any change that occurs, therefore, a suitable rate has to be maintained.
- Allowing cells to operate properly by altering the water potential of tissue fluid and blood to
prevent any bursting or shrinkage to occur. Homeostasis maintains a constant water
potential by maintaining a constant blood glucose concentration which is also crucial for
providing glucose to cells during respiration.
FEEDBACK MECHANISMS
The control of any self-regulating system contains several series of phases. Firstly, a receptor will
monitor the optimum point which is the range of the limit that the body functions properly at. The
receptor will indicate any fluctuation that might happen to those limits. This will then trigger the
stimulus causing it to respond quickly by informing the coordinator. The coordinator will then
synchronise the information received and will then send orders to the effector. The effector is
usually a gland or a muscle, it will immediately return the change to its optimum point, creating a
feedback mechanism where the stimulus that has been produced
by the change, causes the receptor to respond.
A feedback mechanism is a self-regulating system where by a
change in the control system a response from a receptor to a
stimulus is created. In the body, the feedback mechanism is
mainly negative. Negative feedback reverses the initial stimulus;
any change that has occurred and restores conditions to their
normal levels. For example, a negative feedback system controls
the blood sugar levels by insulin and glucagon. Firstly, alpha cell
receptors in the pancreas will detect a stimulus which in this case
is the fall in the concentration of glucose in the blood. The alpha cells will then secrete glucagon
right after the change is detected, the glucagon will then cause effectors which in this case are liver
cells that produce glucose by converting glycogen. The glucose is then released into the blood
which raises its glucose concentration. This blood containing raised glucose concentration will
circulate back into the pancreas.
Another example is temperature control, if the temperature rises above the optimum range,
vasodilation will occur. However, before it occurs, a receptor will detect this change and the central
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller nicolajankowska. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $9.70. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
