Homeostasis - Research Paper Example

Yet, their numbers are kept in check by a similar increase in their predators like, snakes and owls. Nature is excellent at creating such constant environments within its ecosystems (Naeem et al, 1999). We humans are a part of the ecosystems of nature, and within our bodies are present such balancing platforms for our health and well-being. Homeostasis is a vast subject, and examining all aspects of homeostasis is beyond the scope of this limited paper. The focus of this paper will be on demonstrating that homeostasis has an important role in maintaining human health through the examples of homeostasis in maintaining control of arterial blood pressure and blood sugar level.

Homeostasis Givens and Reiss 2002, p.56, define homeostasis as “the maintenance of a constant internal environment within the body.” The definition of homeostasis suggests that there is a need for maintaining constancy in the internal environment of the human body. The internal environment of the human body is constantly under pressure of change, as a result of the physiological processes that are occurring within the human body. Homeostasis does not mean maintaining the human body in a state of equilibrium, but rather striving to maintain the internal environment within a normal range of parameters. . , a condition called homeostatic imbalance.

” This is particularly so with advance in age, due to the drop in efficiency of the organ systems of the body, and the increased potential for reduced stability within the internal environment of the human body (Marieb, 2009). Three elements are essential to the homeostasis function. The first are the sensory elements or receptors that sense changes in the internal environment. The second element is the integrator, which receives this sensory information, processes the information and the puts into place the appropriate response.

The brain is the integrator. The final element is the effectors or those structures of the human body that put into effect the appropriate response, which most often are the glands of the endocrine system (Balaban & Bobick, 2008). Though the mechanisms of homeostasis involved in maintaining the balance of several of the internal functions of the body, there is a common thread in all these mechanisms. This common thread gives rise to the model of negative feedback in homeostasis. Norm ? rises above the norm?

corrective mechanism? norm (Givens & Reiss, 2002). This model demonstrates that when change in the internal environment is sensed the homeostasis mechanism kicks off to restore the internal environment to the required norm (Givens & Reiss, 2002). The inability of the body to maintain the internal environment within the required norm can hinder the physiological processes that occur within the body or even change them, with the consequence of disease or death. This is what makes the ability to maintain homeostasis within the body vital to the maintenance of good health (White, 2005).

Negative Feedback in the Control of Arterial Blood Pressure The negative feedback mechanism in homeostasis is used