Homeostasis Regulation Mechanisms

What physiological response occurs when a horse's body temperature drops?

What happens to the body of a horse when the blood glucose concentration is too high?

Which of the following describes osmoregulation in horses?

What occurs during behavioral thermoregulation when a horse is too hot?

What is the minimum body temperature a horse needs to maintain?

Hypothalamus function

Blood glucose regulation

Homeostasis

Homeostasis maintains internal body regulation through negative feedback loops.
Key mechanisms include thermoregulation, osmoregulation, and blood glucose regulation.

Thermoregulation

Maintains stable body temperature.
Endothermic animals like horses need a constant 37.5°C body temperature.
Hypothermia (low body temperature):
- Hypothalamus detects low blood temperature.
- Triggers negative feedback:
  - Shivering.
  - Blood vessel constriction near the skin.
  - Pilomotor response (hair standing).
- If severe, fat release for internal warmth and blood flow.
Hyperthermia (high body temperature):
- Blood vessels dilate near the skin surface to release heat.
- Pilomotor response (hair lying flat).
- Sweating.
- Behavioral thermoregulation (seeking shade, water).

Blood Glucose Regulation

Negative feedback mechanism maintains stable blood glucose levels.
High blood glucose:
- Pancreas cells detect high blood sugar.
- Release insulin to store glucose.
- Prevents fat and lipid production.
Low blood glucose:
- Pancreas cells detect low blood sugar.
- Release glycogen from the liver.
- Convert amino acids into glucose.

Osmoregulation

Regulates water and electrolyte balance.

Explore the intricate processes of homeostasis, including thermoregulation and blood glucose regulation. This quiz covers how negative feedback loops help maintain stable internal conditions in the body, including responses to hypothermia and hyperthermia. Test your knowledge on the body's regulatory systems!