Homeostasis
Basic Life Processes Homeostasis. Condition of equilibrium in body’s internal environment produced by ceaseless interplay of all the body’s regulatory processes. The process by which an organism maintains the conditions suitable for life.
Control Of Homeostasis Homeostasis is constantly being disrupted. Imbalances occur due to disruptions from external or internal environments. Usually, it is quickly restored.
Control Of Homeostasis Homeostasis is regulated by: –nervous system –endocrine system, –together or independently.
Control Of Homeostasis The nervous system detects changes and sends nerve impulses to counteract the disruption. The endocrine system regulates homeostasis by secreting hormones.
Feedback system –A cycle of events in which 1. Information about status of a condition is continually monitored 2. Information is fed back (reported) to a central control region. G eneral Principles of Feedback Systems
Feedback Systems Any disruption that changes a controlled condition is called a stimulus. Consist of three basic components.
Basic Components Receptor –monitors changes in a controlled condition –sends input in the form of nerve impulses or chemical signals to a control center.
Basic Components Control center: –1. Sets range of values within which a controlled condition should be maintained. –2. Evaluates input it receives from receptors. –3. Generates output commands when they are needed.
Negative Feedback System Response reverses the original stimulus. Stops doing what it was doing. Example: –Baroreceptors detect increased heart rate that leads to increased BP (receptor). –Send input to brain (control center). –Heart (effector) slows which lowers BP.
Positive Feedback System. Response enhances the original stimulus. Keeps doing more of the same.
Positive Feedback System A positive feedback system tends to strengthen or reinforce a change in one of the body’s controlled conditions. Normal childbirth provides a good example of a positive feedback system.
Homeostatic Imbalances Uncorrected disruption of homeostasis can lead to disease and death.