Homeostasis

Homeostasis

"Homeostasis is the state of steady internal chemical and physical conditions maintained by living systems."

The theory of homeostasis was first introduced by Claude Bernard, a French Physiologist in the year 1865, and the term was first used in 1926 by Walter Bradford Cannon. Bradford derived Homeostasis from the ancient Greek words (pronounced: hmoios) and (pronounced: hstmi). The combination of these words translates to "similar" and "standing still" respectively.

Homeostasis is quite crucial for the survival of organisms. It is often seen as a resistance to changes in the external environment. Furthermore, homeostasis is a self-regulating process that regulates internal variables necessary to sustain life. In other words, homeostasis is a mechanism that maintains a stable internal environment despite the changes present in the external environment.

The body maintains homeostasis by controlling a host of variables ranging from body temperature, blood pH, blood glucose levels to fluid balance, sodium, potassium and calcium ion concentrations.

Regulation of Homeostasis

The regulation of homeostasis depends on three mechanisms:

• Effector.
• Receptor.
• Control Center.

The entire process continuously works to maintain homeostasis regulation.

a).Receptor

As the name suggests, the receptor is the sensing component responsible for monitoring and responding to changes in the external or internal environment.

b).Control Center

The control centre is also known as the integration centre. It receives and processes information from the receptor.

c).Effector

The effector responds to the commands of the control centre. It could either oppose or enhance the stimulus.

 

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Pict: Example of homeostasis Action

Homeostasis Breakdown

The failure of homeostasis function in an internal environment will result in illnesses or diseases. In severe cases, it can even lead to death and disability. Many factors can affect homeostasis. The most common are:

• Genetics.
• Physical condition.
• Diet and nutrition.
• Venoms and toxins.
• Psychological health.
• Side effects of medicines and medical procedures.

Body Systems and Homeostasis

The body system participates in maintaining homeostasis regulations. The purpose of the body system is to describe several controlling mechanisms where every system contributes to homeostasis. Listed below are the tables which describe how different organs perform different functions to maintain the internal body environment.

Pict: Hormone

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The endocrine system and the nervous system are essential in maintaining the homeostasis of the body. However, other organs also play a role in maintaining homeostasis as well.

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References

Chrousos, G. P. 2007. Organization and Integration of the endocrine system. Sleep Med. Clin. 2:125--45. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2007.04.004

Mendle, J., Beltz, A. M., Carter, R., and Dorn, L. D. 2019. Understanding puberty and its measurement: ideas for research in a new generation. J. Res. Adolesc. 29:82--95. doi: 10.1111/jora.12371