Seminar: Homeostasis

Class : D2
Block: 2
Week:1
Definition of Homeostasis

 Keeping internal environment constant

conditions to a achieve
optimal cell function.

 Homeostasis is not a rigid fixed state

but a dynamic steady state in which the
changing that do occur are minimized
by compensatory
physiological responses. Mahmoud omarah
 Significance of Homeostasis
 "Homeostasis is crucial because
it allows organisms to maintain
stable internal conditions,
despite changes in their external
environment. This balance is
vital for the proper functioning of
cells, tissues, and organs. By
regulating factors like body
temperature, pH, hydration, and
blood sugar levels, homeostasis
ensures that metabolic processes
can occur efficiently, which
supports overall health and
survival. Without homeostasis, Maryam Bakr
 Components of Homeostatic
Systems

Mahmoud omarah
 Feedback Mechanisms
 1-The negative feedback  2-In homeostasis, a positive
mechanism is a crucial part of feedback mechanism amplifies a
homeostasis, the body's process of physiological response instead of
maintaining internal balance. This regulating it back to a stable state.
mechanism works by detecting Positive feedback loops are
changes from a set point or normal relatively rare because they tend to
range, then triggering responses to push systems away from
counteract or reverse those equilibrium, making them less
changes, bringing conditions back stable. However, they are essential
to balanced The negative feedback for certain processes where an
mechanism is essential in accelerated response is
regulating many physiological beneficial.Examples of Positive
parameters, such as temperature, Feedback:Lactation (Milk Ejection):
blood glucose levels, and blood When an infant suckles, it stimulates
pressure, by maintaining them the release of prolactin and
within a narrow, healthy range. oxytocin. Prolactin promotes milk
production, while oxytocin causes
milk ejection. The more the baby
 3-feedforward control acts as a proactive
measure, helping the body maintain
homeostasis by preparing in advance rather
than responding after a disturbance has already
occurred. This process is available in
environments with predictable changes, like
exercise or eating.

Maraim Ahmed
 Negative Feedback Examples
Negative feedback is a biological mechanism that helps
maintain stability within a system by reducing the effect of
a stimulus. Here are a few examples:
 1. Body Temperature Regulation:  2. Blood Sugar Regulation: After
When body temperature rises a meal, blood glucose levels
above the normal range (around rise, stimulating the pancreas to
37°C or 98.6°F), the
release insulin. Insulin promotes
hypothalamus in the brain
the uptake of glucose into cells,
detects the increase. It signals
the sweat glands to release
lowering blood glucose levels.
sweat, which evaporates and When blood sugar drops too
cools the body. When body low, the pancreas releases
temperature drops, the glucagon, which triggers the
hypothalamus reduces sweat liver to release glucose,
production and may trigger stabilizing blood sugar levels.
shivering to generate heat.
 3. Blood Pressure Regulation:  4. Calcium Level
Baroreceptors (pressure Regulation: Parathyroid
sensors) in blood vessels glands monitor blood
detect high blood pressure and calcium levels. When
send signals to the brain. In calcium levels drop, these
response, the brain reduces glands release parathyroid
heart rate and dilates blood hormone (PTH), which
vessels, which lowers blood increases calcium release
pressure. If blood pressure is from bones and absorption
too low, the heart rate in the intestines. As
increases and vessels constrict calcium levels rise, PTH
to raise blood pressure. release slows.

Negative feedback is crucial because it prevents

biological systems from extreme fluctuations,
promoting homeostasis and stability.

Maraim
Elrefaey
 Positive Feedback Mechanisms

Positive feedback is a process in which an initial change or stimulus

in a system leads to a response that amplifies or increases that
change. Rather than stabilizing the system (as in negative feedback),
positive feedback causes the system to continue in the same direction,
potentially leading to an escalating effect.

Differences from Negative Feedback:Negative feedback

tends to stabilize a system by counteracting the
change.Positive feedback leads to a reinforcing cycle,
potentially destabilizing the system if left unchecked.
Examples:

1. Childbirth (Parturition)Process: During labor,

contractions stimulate the release of the hormone
oxytocin from the pituitary gland. Oxytocin increases
the intensity of contractions, which in turn causes more
oxytocin to be released. This cycle continues,
intensifying contractions until the baby is delivered.

2. Blood Clotting (Coagulation)Process: When blood

vessels are injured, platelets begin to adhere to the site of
injury. These platelets release chemicals that attract even
more platelets to the site. This chain reaction rapidly
accelerates until a clot forms, sealing the wound.
3. Nerve Signal Transmission (Action
Potential)Process: When a neuron is stimulated,
sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to rush
into the cell. This depolarizes the membrane, causing
more sodium channels to open and creating a self-
perpetuating wave of depolarization along the axon.

Key Characteristics in Human Positive

Feedback:*Amplification: *Each cycle or response becomes
stronger or more intense until a specific event occurs.

*Self-reinforcing: *The output of the system continuously

stimulates the same process.Ends with an external event or
threshold: Positive feedback loops generally end when a goal
is reached (e.g., birth, clot formation, or action
potential transmission). Maraim Mahfouz
 Role of the Nervous System
The nervous system has a highly organized and crucial
role in the human body. Its importance can be outlined
as follows:

 1. *Coordination and Control*:  3. *Voluntary Movement*:

The nervous system acts as the Through the somatic nervous
main control center for the system, the nervous system
body, coordinating and controls voluntary movements by
regulating bodily functions to sending signals from the brain to
maintain homeostasis and skeletal muscles, enabling
ensure proper functioning. actions such as walking, writing,
 2. *Sensory Reception and and speaking.
Response*: It receives sensory  4. *Involuntary Functions*: The
input from the environment autonomic nervous system
and internal body signals, regulates involuntary functions
processes this information in essential for survival, such as
the brain and spinal cord, and heartbeat, digestion, and
 5. *Adaptation and Reflex Actions*: It allows for quick
adaptation to changes in the environment through reflexes,
which are rapid, automatic responses to stimuli that help
protect the body from harm.

 6. *Cognitive Functions*: The brain, as part of the central

nervous system, is responsible for complex cognitive processes
such as thinking, memory, decision-making, and emotions.

 7. *Communication*: The nervous system facilitates

communication between different body parts, ensuring that all
organs and systems work together seamlessly.

In conclusion, the nervous system is essential for

maintaining life by coordinating activities, enabling
voluntary and involuntary functions, adapting to
changes, and supporting cognitive abilities.
Marwan Rabea
 Role of the Endocrine System
The endocrine system plays a crucial role in maintaining
homeostasis, which is the body's ability to maintain a
stable internal environment despite external changes.
It achieves this through a series of intricate processes
involving hormones, which are chemical messengers
secreted by endocrine glands. Here’s how the endocrine
system contributes to homeostasis:
 1. Regulation of  2. Control of Blood Glucose
LevelsThe pancreas secretes insulin
MetabolismThyroid
and glucagon to regulate blood
hormones (produced by the
sugar. Insulin lowers blood glucose
thyroid gland) help regulate by facilitating cellular uptake, while
metabolic rate, influencing glucagon increases glucose levels
energy balance, body by signaling the liver to release
temperature, and overall stored glucose. This balance helps
energy use. This ensures prevent conditions like
that cells receive the hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and
appropriate amount of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
energy needed for function.
3. Water and Electrolyte BalanceThe antidiuretic hormone (ADH),
secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, helps control water
balance in the body by reducing water loss through the kidneys.
This mechanism prevents dehydration and maintains blood
pressure.Aldosterone, produced by the adrenal glands, regulates
sodium and potassium levels, impacting fluid balance and blood
pressure.

4. Stress ResponseThe adrenal glands secrete cortisol and

adrenaline in response to stress. These hormones increase energy
availability by raising glucose levels and alter various body
functions to prioritize critical survival functions, ensuring that the
body responds appropriately to external stressors.

5. Growth and DevelopmentGrowth hormone from the pituitary

gland regulates growth and development in children and helps
maintain muscle and bone mass in adults. Proper levels ensure
normal development and physical maintenance.
 7. Calcium HomeostasisThe
6. Reproductive parathyroid hormone (PTH),
FunctionsHormones such as produced by the parathyroid
estrogen, progesterone, and glands, increases blood calcium
testosterone manage levels by stimulating bone
reproductive cycles, gamete resorption and enhancing calcium
production, and secondary absorption in the intestines and
sexual characteristics. These kidneys. Calcitonin, from the
processes contribute to the thyroid gland, works oppositely to
body's ability to reproduce lower calcium levels when they are
and adapt to reproductive too high, balancing bone
needs. mineral density.

Maraim
Kamel
 Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation: Understanding Homeostasis

The Body's Balancing Monitoring
ActThermoregulation is the The body's thermoregulatory
remarkable process by system constantly monitors
which the human body internal and external
maintains its core temperatures using
temperature within a specialized receptors.
narrow, optimal range, Coordinating
despite fluctuations in
The hypothalamus in the
external temperature and
brain integrates temperature
metabolic demands. This
information and coordinates
delicate balance is essential
the body's response to
for proper physiological
maintain homeostasis.
function and overall health.
Mechanisms of Heat Transfer Heat Production and Heat Loss
Conduction Heat Production
Heat is transferred through direct The body generates heat through
contact between objects or metabolic processes, including
molecules, such as the transfer of physical activity, shivering, and
heat from the skin to the air. the breakdown of nutrients.
Convection Heat Loss
Heat is carried away by the The body dissipates heat through
mechanisms like sweating,
movement of fluids, like air or
vasodilation, and radiation to
blood, circulating around the body. maintain a stable temperature.
Radiation Balance
Heat is emitted as infrared
Thermoregulation aims to keep
radiation from the body's surface, the balance between heat
which can be absorbed or production and heat loss to
reflected by the environment. maintain the body's
core temperature.
Regulation of Body Temperature Factors Affecting
Sensory Input Thermoregulation
Temperature receptors in the skin Environmental Conditions
and internal organs detect Temperature, humidity, wind, and
changes in temperature and send solar radiation can significantly
impact the body's ability to
signals to the hypothalamus.
regulate temperature.
Central Integration
Physical Activity
The hypothalamus processes the
Exercise and physical exertion
temperature information and increase heat production and
coordinates the appropriate challenge the body's
physiological responses. thermoregulatory mechanisms.
Effector Responses Hydration and Nutrition
The autonomic nervous system Adequate fluid and nutrient
activates mechanisms like intake are essential for
maintaining optimal
thermoregulatory function.

Maram Ayman
Osmoregulation

Maraim
elbon
 pH Balance
pH balance is crucial to homeostasis, which is the
body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment
despite external changes. Blood pH, specifically, is
kept in a narrow range (7.35-7.45), as any deviation
from this range can disrupt cellular function,
potentially leading to cell death.

To keep blood pH within this range, the body relies on

three main mechanisms:

 1. Chemical Buffer Systems: These act as the first

line of defense, responding almost instantly. Buffers
in the blood, such as bicarbonate, phosphate, and
protein buffers, can quickly neutralize small amounts
of acid or base. This prevents sudden pH changes by
binding or releasing hydrogen ions (H⁺).
 2. Respiratory Regulation: The respiratory system can adjust
blood pH within minutes by controlling carbon dioxide (CO₂)
levels. CO₂ dissolves in blood to form carbonic acid, which
releases H⁺ ions and lowers pH. By breathing faster or
slower, the body can remove or retain CO₂, balancing blood
acidity. For example, increased breathing rate
(hyperventilation) expels more CO₂, reducing acidity, while
slower bre (hypoventilation) retains CO₂, increasing acidity.
 3. Renal Regulation: The kidneys provide the most powerful
and long-term pH regulation, though they work over hours to
days. They do this by excreting hydrogen ions (H⁺) and
reabsorbing bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), a base that neutralizes
acids. When blood pH drops (becoming more acidic), kidneys
increase H⁺ excretion and bicarbonate reabsorption, and vice
versa when
These blood pHwork
mechanisms rises.in concert to keep the blood pH
stable. For example, if blood becomes slightly acidic, buffers
immediately neutralize some of the excess H⁺, while the
respiratory system and kidneys make additional adjustments
to restore pH to its normal range. This coordinated system is
vital for proper enzyme function, cellular activities,
and overall health.
Marah Mohamed
 Blood Glucose Regulation
When glucose enters the bloodstream, the pancreas responds
by secreting insulin, which allows the glucose to enter the
body's cells to provide it with energy. It stores excess glucose
to obtain energy. After eating, insulin levels rise and the
excess glucose is stored in the liver and is called glycogen. It is
a hormone secreted by the alpha cells in the pancreas.
Function Pancreas in regulating sugar When blood sugar levels
rise, the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which helps
cells absorb glucose and lower blood sugar levels.

Maraim Tamer
 Stress Response
The Stress Response: Fight or Flight
When we’re faced with something stressful — like an exam, a loud
noise, or even a real danger — our body has an automatic reaction. It’s
called the stress response or fight-or-flight response. Here’s what
happens:
1. Your Brain Sounds the Alarm
When you sense a threat, a part of your brain called the amygdala
kicks in. It’s like an alarm system.
The amygdala sends a message to another brain part, the
hypothalamus, which controls basic things like heart rate and
breathing.
2. Hormones Get Released
The hypothalamus tells your adrenal glands to release two main
hormones: adrenaline and cortisol.
Adrenaline gives you a quick burst of energy, speeds up your heart,
and raises your blood pressure.
Cortisol helps by increasing blood sugar (for energy) and makes sure
your brain has enough fuel to focus.
 3. Body Changes to Get Ready
Your heart beats faster to pump blood to your muscles.
You start breathing faster to get more oxygen.
Blood flow moves away from areas you don’t need (like your
stomach) to the muscles, so you’re ready to move.
Muscles tense up — they’re prepared for action.
Even your pupils dilate so you can see better.
4. Fight or Run Away
Now, you’re ready to fight the threat or flee from it.
This response is great for immediate danger because your body
is prepared to act quickly.
5. Calming Down AfterwardOnce the stressor is gone, your
parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system)
helps you calm down.
Your heart rate, breathing, and blood flow return to normal.
Cortisol levels slowly drop, and you feel back to normal.
Why Chronic Stress is Bad?
This stress response is good in short bursts, but if it happens too
often, it can harm your body.
Constant stress can lead to things like high blood pressure,
trouble with digestion, and even anxiety.
So, to recap: the stress response is like a natural "alarm
system" to help you handle danger quickly. It’s powerful
in small doses, but too much of it over time isn’t healthy.

Mariam Elkhamisy
 Role of Organs
Homeostasis is the process by which the body
maintains a stable internal environment. Several
organs work together to regulate temperature, fluid
balance, blood pressure, and other essential
parameters.
1. Brain (Hypothalamus )The brain, particularly the
hypothalamus, acts as the control center for regulating
body temperature, hunger, thirst, and other vital
functions.2. KidneysThe kidneys filter waste products
from the blood and regulate the balance of water and
electrolytes.
2. KidneysThe kidneys filter waste products from the
blood and regulate the balance of water and
electrolytes.
3. LungsThe lungs regulate the oxygen and carbon
dioxide levels in the blood, which helps maintain the
 4. Liver
The liver helps regulate blood sugar by storing and
releasing glucose. It also detoxifies harmful substances
and assists in metabolism.
5. SkinThe skin plays a role in temperature regulation
through sweating ,,controlling heat loss . It also helps
prevent dehydration by acting as a barrier.
6. Endocrine System (including thyroid, adrenal glands,
etc.)The endocrine system releases hormones like insulin
(to regulate blood sugar), thyroid hormones (to control
metabolism), and cortisol (to manage stress and
metabolism).
7. Cardiovascular System The cardiovascular system
(heart and blood vessels) maintains blood pressure and
circulates oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to various
organs, helping regulate temperature and fluid balance.
8. Digestive System
The digestive system breaks down food to absorb
nutrients and regulate blood sugar..
Marwan Mar3y
 Disruption of Homeostasis

Disruption of homeostasis occurs when the body fails to

maintain internal balance, impacting health. This can happen
due to illnesses, injuries, or factors like stress and poor nutrition.
Such disruption leads to issues like high blood pressure or
diabetes, where the body’s regulatory mechanisms can no
longer function properly, often requiring treatment to
restore balance.
Marwan Ezz
 Adaptations and Homeostasis

Adaption and homeostasis: Adaptation and

homeostasis are fundamental biological concepts
essential for the survival and function of living
organisms.

Adaptation:
Adaptation is the process by which organisms adjust
and evolve traits over generations to become better
suited to their environment. These changes can be
structural (physical features), physiological (body
functions), or behavioral (ways of acting).An example
of adaptation is the thick fur of polar bears, which
helps them survive in cold climates by providing
insulation.
Homeostasis:
Homeostasis is the ability of an organism or a cell to
maintain a stable internal environment, even when
external conditions change. This balance is crucial for
physiological processes to function optimally.
Examples of homeostasis include temperature
regulation (sweating when hot and shivering when cold)
and maintaining blood pH within a narrow range.
Together, adaptation allows organisms to evolve in
response to long-term environmental changes, while
homeostasis enables them to cope with short-term
changes to maintain internal stability. These processes
are interrelated, as successful adaptation often enhances
an organism’s ability to maintain homeostasis.

Maram Mohamed
 Thank you

Written by:
Mahmoud omarah | Maryam Bakr | Maraim
Ahmed | Maraim Elrefaey | Maraim Mahfouz |
Marwan Rabea | Maraim Kamel | Maram
Ayman |Maraim elbon | Marah Mohamed |
Maraim Tamer | Mariam Elkhamisy | Marwan
Mar3y | Marwan Ezz | Maram Mohamed