Homeostasis:
- Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in
the external environment.
- It involves regulating factors like temperature, pH, blood glucose levels, water balance, and more.
Control Systems:
- Control systems involve three main components: receptors, coordinators (usually the brain), and
effectors.
- Receptors detect changes in the internal or external environment and send signals to the
coordinators.
- Coordinators receive and process these signals, then send appropriate instructions to effectors.
- Effectors carry out the response to maintain balance.
Negative Feedback Mechanism:
- Most control systems operate through negative feedback.
- A stimulus triggers a response that counteracts or reverses the initial change.
- This helps maintain stability by bringing the condition back to its normal set point.
Examples:
1. Temperature Regulation:
- Receptors in the skin detect changes in body temperature.
- If it's too hot, sweat glands activate to release sweat and cool the body.
- If it's too cold, muscles contract to generate heat and keep the body warm.
2. Blood Glucose Regulation:
- Receptors in the pancreas monitor blood glucose levels.
- If glucose levels are too high, insulin is released to promote glucose uptake by cells.
- If glucose levels are too low, glucagon is released to stimulate the liver to convert stored glycogen
into glucose.
3. Water Balance:
- Kidneys regulate water balance in the body.
- If dehydrated, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is released, causing the kidneys to reabsorb more
water.
- If overhydrated, less ADH is released, resulting in increased urine production.
Overall Summary:
Homeostasis is the maintenance of stable internal conditions through control systems involving
receptors, coordinators, and effectors. Negative feedback mechanisms are employed to bring the
body back to its set point. Examples include temperature regulation, blood glucose control, and
water balance. Understanding homeostasis is crucial as disruptions can lead to health issues.
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