Chapter 1: Homeostatic Imbalance

Examples of homeostatic imbalance appear throughout this book to enhance your understanding
of normal physiological mechanisms. HOMEOSTATIC IMBALANCE The homeostatic
imbalance sections and alerts you to the fact that we are describing an abnormal condition. Each
Homeostatic Imbalance section is numbered to correspond with critical thinking questions
available in the Study Area of Mastering A&P —visit the website to find Homeostatic
*

Imbalance questions and other helpful study tools.

Homeostatic Imbalance 1.1

CLINICAL Each body cavity is uniquely suited to house its contents. Problems arise
when a structure strays into a neighboring cavity. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the
stomach slides through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity, allowing stomach acid to
cause heartburn (which is actually irritation of the esophagus, not the heart). Severe
cases may require surgical repair.

Homeostatic Imbalance 1.2

CLINICAL When serous membranes are inflamed, their normally smooth surfaces
become roughened. This roughness causes the membranes to stick together and drag
across one another. Excruciating pain results, as anyone who has
experienced pleurisy (inflammation of the pleurae) or peritonitis (inflammation of the
peritoneums) knows.

Homeostatic Imbalance 1.3

CLINICAL You may have seen news stories about “wrong site surgery” and wondered
how such serious mistakes can happen. Critical errors, including amputation, may result
from confusion about right versus left or poor understanding of terminology. As you
master the terminology of anatomy, you are helping to eliminate these blunders.