Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the maintainance of a constant internal environment in response to a

changing external environment. 

Negative Feedback
Negative feedback is the mechanism by which the body maintains conditions within
particular limits. The body will do this by opposing a change that deviates from the
normal. The diagram below helps to explain this using the example of body temperature.

Body Temperature
When the body is cold
1. The small capillaries near the surface of the skin constrict (vasoconstriction) so less
blood flows nearer to the surface, and less heat is lost through he blood.
2. The hairs on the skin stand erect by the hair erector muscles tightening. The hairs
trap a layer of insulating air therefore less heat is lost to the surroundings.
3. Sweat Glands produce less sweat so less heat is lost through evaporation.
The muscles also vibrate very quickly when it is cold, so heat is produced to keep the
body temperature at the correct level. This is also known as shivering!

When the body is hot

1. The small capillaries near the surface of the skin dilate (vasodilation) so more blood
flows nearer to the surface, and more heat is lost through he blood. The body therefore
cools down.
2. The hairs on the skin lie flat because the hair erector muscles slacken. No layer of
insulating air is trapped therefore heat can be lost more easily.
3. Sweat Glands produce more sweat so more heat can be lost through evaporation.
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