(1) A Receptor monitors the value
HOMEOSTASIS
Homeostasis in a general sense refers
to stability, balance or equilibrium. It is
the body's attempt to maintain a
constant internal environment.
Maintaining a stable internal
environment requires constant
monitoring and adjustments as
conditions change. This adjusting of
physiological systems within the body is
called homeostatic regulation.
Most body cells are surrounded by a
small
amount of fluid, and normal cell
functions
depend on the maintenance ofthe cells’
fluid
environment within a narrow range of
conditions, including temperature,
volume and
chemical content. These conditions are
called
Variables because their values can
change.
Negative Feedback Mechanism
Most systems of the body are regulated
by negative-feedback mechanism
which maintain homeostasis. Negative
means that any depoint is made smaller
or is resisted. Negative feedback
dovariation but maintains variation
within normal range.
The maintenance of normal body
temperature is an example of a negative-
feedback mechanism. Normal body
temperature is important because it
allows
molecules and enzymes to keep their
normal shape so they can function
optimally.
body temperature, have three
components:
of variable, such as body temperature;
(2) A Control Center, establishes the
set
point around which the variable is
maintained;
(3) An Effector can change the
value of the variable. A changed variable
is a stimulus because it initiates a
homeostatic mechanism.
Once body temperature returns to
normal, the control center signals the
sweat glands to reduce sweat
production and the blood vessels
constrict to their normal diameter.
On the other hand, if body temperature
drops, the control center does not
stimulate the sweat glands. Instead, the
skin blood vessels constrict more than
normal and blood is directed to deeper
regions of the body, conserving heat in
the interior of the body.
In addition, the hypothalamus stimulates
shivering, quick cycles of skeletal
muscle contractions, which generates a
great amount of heat.
Positive-feedback mechanisms occur
when the initial stimulus further
stimulates the response. In other words,
the deviation from the set point becomes
even greater
For example, during blood loss, a
chemical responsible for clot formation
stimulates production of itself. In this
way, a disruption in homeostasis is
resolved through a positive-feedback
mechanism.
Occasionally, a positive-feedback
mechanism can be detrimental (tend to
cause harm).
One example of a detrimental positive-
feedback mechanism is inadequate
delivery of blood to cardiac muscle or the
heart.