Homeostasis and Human Body Regulation

Study Notes

Homeostasis is the principle that regulates the maintenance of a stable internal environment in the human body.
The internal environment of the human body consists of bodily fluids.
When nutrients and gases enter and leave cells, causing a change in temperature, pressure, and gas concentration in bodily fluids, it becomes necessary to maintain balance.
The stomach, skin, liver, and kidneys help maintain balance.
The stomach regulates carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the blood with the help of the respiratory center in the brain.
The skin regulates body temperature by sensing changes in temperature and activating heat-sensitive receptors that stimulate the body's response.
When we feel hot, there is an increase in the temperature sensitivity of heat-sensitive receptors under the skin, activating heat-sensing cells, increasing blood flow to the skin, and dilating blood vessels, leading to a decrease in body temperature. This is known as vasodilation, or negative temperature feedback.
Conversely, when we feel cold, there is a decrease in temperature sensitivity of heat-sensitive receptors, causing vasoconstriction, or the narrowing of blood vessels, leading to an increase in body temperature.
Poikilotherms, or animals that cannot produce or regulate their own body heat, rely on external sources of heat, such as sunlight.
Homeostasis is crucial for optimal enzyme activity.

Description

Test your knowledge about the principle of homeostasis and how the human body maintains a stable internal environment through the regulation of bodily fluids, temperature, and gas concentration. Explore the role of organs such as the stomach, skin, liver, and kidneys in maintaining balance and learn about negative temperature feedback, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, and the importance of homeostasis for optimal enzyme activity.