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Intro to Biology Discussion Post
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Definition and Significance of Homeostasis:
Homeostasis is a body’s ability to keep its internal surroundings fixed and constant, even
when outside forces changes which is achieved by maintaining specific amounts of temperature,
pH, fluid balance, and chemical ratios. Updating this dynamic balance is important for cell
survival because homeostasis disruptions can affect how cells and organs normally work. In
order for enzymes to work properly and biological processes to move forward, for example, the
temperature must stay around 98.6°F.
Mechanisms of Homeostasis
The body uses feedback loops to find changes and bring balance back to normal. Primary
ways of control are through negative feedback systems. As an example, when body temperature
goes up, sensors in the brain tell efferent neurons to make you sweat and constrict your blood
vessels to lower your body temperature. Additionally, negative feedback controls blood sugar
levels; when blood sugar is high, insulin is released to help cells take in glucose. In processes
like births, positive feedback makes the stimulus stronger instead of weaker. Within the first few
minutes of labor, contractions cause more contractions until the baby is born. After that, negative
feedback stops the cervical opening from growing any further. However, negative feedback is
needed to stop positive feedback loops from going too far and hurting tissues.
The Interplay of Organ Systems
Keeping hormonal balance requires many body systems to work together smoothly.
Gases in the blood are controlled by the breathing and circulatory systems working together.
Alveoli take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the bloodstream in the lungs. Through
arteries and veins, breathing blood carries these gases to organs and tissues. Cellular respiration
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uses oxygen as the last electron donor for making ATP. Additionally, carbon dioxide and other
waste products are mixed back into venous blood so that they can be released from the body
when you breathe out.
Homeostasis is also greatly helped by the endocrine system, which controls many bodily
functions with hormones. Regarding glucose balance, the pancreas sends insulin and glucagon
into the bloodstream to either help the body take in glucose or break it down, depending on the
changing blood sugar levels. Biological processes that control metabolism and energy use are
affected by thyroid hormones. Cortisol production increases during worry, which helps keep
blood sugar levels high and stops processes that aren't necessary for life. Initiates cell division
and protein production. For internal health, hormones carefully control metabolism, growth,
organ functions, and stress reactions through complex feedback networks.
Homeostasis Under Stress:
In human being stressors like sickness or damage can throw off balance. The body's conditions
are, however, brought back to normal by feedback processes. The hypothalamus controls body
temperature to avoid heat stroke, for example, when someone has a fever. Dehydration causes
ADH to be released, which makes pee more concentrated and increases thirst. Rehydrating
prevents chemical problems that could lead to passing out. Hormone cortisol levels rise during
fasting so that fat can be burned for energy. Besides genetics, lifestyle also affects balance. For
example, if insulin can't handle too many calories, diabetes can happen. Insomnia causes cortisol
levels to rise, which makes it harder to deal with worry.
Case Studies
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Stresses that affect balance can cause a number of health problems. Without insulin or
because the body is resistant to insulin, diabetes patients may experience hyperglycemia (high
blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). As an example of a homeostatic mismatch,
hypertension, or high blood pressure, happens when the body can't keep the blood pressure in a
safe level. Medications like insulin therapy for diabetes or antihypertensive drugs for high blood
pressure can help restore balance in these situations. Modifying your lifestyle with a healthy diet,
regular exercise, and learning how to deal with stress can also help your body stay balanced.
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References
Wakim, S., & Grewal, M. (2018, December 24). 10.7: Homeostasis and feedback. LibreTexts
Biology.
https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Human_Biology/Human_Biology_(Wakim_and_G
rewal)/10%3A_Introduction_to_the_Human_Body/
10.7%3A_Homeostasis_and_Feedback
Harris-Ray, N. (2022, April 28). What Is Homeostasis? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-
z-guides/what-is-homeostasis

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1

Intro to Biology Discussion Post

Definition and Significance of Homeostasis:

temperature must stay around 98.6°F.

The Interplay of Organ Systems

when you breathe out.

organ functions, and stress reactions through complex feedback networks.

Homeostasis Under Stress:

levels to rise, which makes it harder to deal with worry.

blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). As an example of a homeostatic mismatch,

Harris-Ray, N. (2022, April 28). What Is Homeostasis? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-

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