Homeostasis

Ho
w
d
bo oe
ho dy s th
m m e
eo ain hu
st ta m
as in an
is
?
1
Homeostasis
• Homeostasis comes from the two Greek
words homeo meaning similar and stasismeaning stable. It is
the ability of the body to maintain a constant internal
equilibrium. It keeps the body functioning well even when
there are changes in the environment. Examples of
homeostasis include the regulation of body temperature,
blood sugar level, and blood urea level.

2
• Although homeostasis maintains a constant internal balance, it
is not a static state. It is a dynamic state or continuously
changing. Take the body temperature as an example. Humans
generate internal body heat and maintain an average
temperature of about 37˚C. However, the body temperature
still varies all throughout the day. During daytime, especially
when doing physical activities, the body temperature rises. At
nighttime, the temperature slightly falls during sleep.

3
Homeostasis is achieved through automatic mechanisms. These
mechanisms have at least three interdependent components.
The components are the receptor, control center, and effector.

4
• The receptor is a sensing component that monitors changes in
the external or internal environment. For example, peripheral
chemoreceptors detect changes in the pH of the blood.

5
• The control center receives messages from the receptors and
initiates the response to maintain homeostasis. The brain is
the control center of the human body. The brain responds by
sending signals in the form of nerve impulses to other organs
(effectors) to bring about changes needed to maintain
homeostasis.

6
• For example, hypothalamus is a part of the brain that receives signals when there are changes in the blood pressure and
heart rate.

7
• The effector is an organ or tissue
that receives the messages from the
control center and brings about
changes needed to maintain
homeostasis. For example, the
organs of the endocrine system act
as effectors that release hormones
into the blood to correct any
disruptions.

8
9
Types of Feedback Mechanism
• Homeostasis is maintained through feedback mechanisms,
which are series of events in which the condition of the body is
strictly and constantly monitored, evaluated, and changed.

10
 Types of Feedback Mechanism
Negative Feedback Mechanism
• Negative feedback mechanism occurs when the change in the
body, caused by stimuli, reverses as a response of a particular
effector. An example is the control of the blood sugar by the
hormones insulin and glucagon which are both secreted by the
pancreas. 

11
Insulin is secreted when the blood sugar level is high
while glucagon is secreted when the blood sugar is low. When
the blood sugar increases, the hypothalamus sends signals to
the pancreas to secrete insulin into the bloodstream and lower
the blood sugar level. When the blood sugar level reaches
equilibrium, the pancreas stops the release of insulin. On the
other hand, when the blood sugar level is low, the
hypothalamus sends signals to the pancreas to secrete
glucagon and increase the blood sugar level.

12
 Types of Feedback Mechanism
Positive Feedback Mechanism
• Positive feedback mechanism occurs when the changes are
strengthened by the response of the effector. It occurs when the
changes enhance the effect of the stimulus. For example, the pituitary
gland secretes oxytocin during childbirth as a positive feedback
mechanism. Oxytocin intensifies and speeds up the contraction in the
mother’s womb. Increase in contractions hastens the delivery of the
baby. After giving birth, the production of oxytocin stops.

13
• Another example of a positive feedback is lactation, which is
the production of milk in the mammary glands. The suckling
action of the baby triggers the pituitary glands to produce
prolactin, which stimulates milk production. More suckling
leads to an increase in prolactin, which in turn leads to more
lactation.

14
Explore!
• Observe the changes in your skin during a hot, sunny day.
Sweating is a natural response of the body to maintain the
body temperature, not lower or higher than normal body
temperature which is 37˚C.
• If you are in a cold environment, how does your body maintain
37˚C?

15
Try it!
• Try to run four laps. What do you notice? What was your
body's response after taking those laps? What is the
connection of this exercise to homeostasis?

16
What do you think?
• What will happen if humans do not have the ability to maintain
internal equilibrium or regulate body temperature?

17
Key Points
• Homeostasis is the ability of the body to maintain internal
equilibrium in response to changes in the environment.
• Examples of homeostasis include:
– the regulation of body temperature;
– the regulation of water balance in the blood;
– the regulation of blood sugar level; and
– the regulation of blood urea level.

18
Key Points
• The feedback system is a series of events in which the condition of the
body is strictly and constantly monitored, evaluated and changed.
• Negative feedback mechanism occurs when the change in the body,
caused by stimuli, reverses as a response of a particular effector.
• Positive feedback mechanism occurs when the changes are
strengthened by the response of the effector.

19