Physiological Processes of Maintaining Homeostasis and Physiological Cause for Vital Signs Elevation - Essay Example

Vital signs: Name: Institution: Introduction Homeostasis is an essential process in the human biology because it is the ability to sustain a stable internal environment in reaction to the changes of the environment. Homeostasis comprises of processes which are dynamic, and which enable optimum state to be maintained for cells regardless of the continual changes that take place externally and internally (Books LLC, 2010). Each and every body system is involved with a particular contribution by the nervous, renal, endocrine and respiratory system. Any time there is an imbalance, regulatory systems start working to restore optimum and balanced conditions, and this is usually done by a process of negative response (Starr & McMillan, 2008). In the process of negative response, a variation from the normal and standard level is detected and changes are initiated that bring back the level to normal. The central nervous system and the endocrine are the major systems used in controlling and regulating homeostasis (Saladin, 2010). Part A: Physiological processes involved in maintaining homeostasis Temperature The temperature of the body changes during a 24 hour period, and it can change as much as 0.5’C. Thermoregulation is the process through which body temperature is maintained in the body of human beings. Human beings are warm-blooded, and they maintain almost a constant body temperature. The perfect internal human body temperature is 98.6 degrees F. A human body temperature can be slightly lower when a person is resting or slightly higher when the person is exercising (Chiras, 2009). Extreme body temperature either too high or too low causes denaturing of the body cells and this leads to death. When faced with environmental factors that threaten the body internal temperature, for example hot or cold condition, the human body is triggered into physiological response. For example, the change in temperature outside the body is detected by nerve endings, and the brain is signalled to either decrease or increase the body inside heat. When warm temperatures are sensed by the body, the sweat glad excrete sweat, which has nutrients and water (Books LLC, 2010). The process of evaporation cools the body. When the environment is cold, blood vessels are signalled by the brain to constrict, therefore reducing the flow of blood and hence preventing loosing of heat. Involuntary shivering is also possible when necessary, and this consumes energy, hence releasing heat. These physiological processes maintain homeostasis, which is necessary for the survival of the human body. Pulse An increase in the heart rate causes more blood to be pumped into the arteries, and as a result, this increases the pulse rate, therefore increasing the blood pressure. Pulse refers to regular artery expansion caused by blood ejection from the ventricle. Since a fast pulse rate disrupts homeostasis, and homeostasis is essential for the survival of the cells and the human life, this change in homeostasis is detected by the receptors (Books LLC, 2010). In an effort of maintaining homeostasis, the receptors send an impulse to the medulla oblongata, which is the control centre. The message is interpreted and the control centre sends an impulse to the cardiovascular system, the effectors. This in turn slows down the pulse rate and at the same time decrease the blood pressure. When the pulse rate is reduced, homeostasis is maintained (JBRA, 2010). Maintaining homeostasis of the pulse is effected by three components: receptors, control centre and the effectors. These different components perform different tasks that allow the internal environment regulation. When there is a decrease in the heart beat, the pulse rate is slowed, and the pulse homeostasis is disrupted (Saladin, 2010). The moment the moment the change takes place, it is detected by the receptors, which sends an impulse to the control centre notifying it of the change in homeostasis. The control centre then immediately interprets the message and sends a message to the effectors, which executes the necessary command and procedure to maintain balance of the pulse rate. The effectors increase the pulse rate to the standard level, hence restoring homeostasis. Respiration Homeostasis of respiration is maintained by the nervous system. When the breathing is normal, the state of homeostasis is present. However, normal respiration or homeostasis of respiration can be disrupted by various factors like exercise. When a person is exercising, the respiratory system works faster in order to keep the oxygen in the cells and extra cellular fluid within the standard limit (Chiras, 2009). This prevents excessive carbon dioxide build up and blood ph disturbance through acid accumulation. These changes in homeostasis are detected by certain nerve cells which send an impulse to the cardio-respiratory centre in the control centre at the base of the brain (Starr & McMillan, 2008). The brain in turn sends a message to the heart with the command to increase the pumping action. This is so as to be able to take on more oxygen, and give out carbon dioxide. A message is also sent to the respiration muscles, by the brain, commanding them to contract faster. This is to enable a rise in carbon dioxide exhalation and oxygen delivery. These different roles of the nervous system get to work whenever there is a change in the homeostasis of respiration, so as to counteract the change and maintain homeostasis (JBRA, 2010). Blood Pressure When using the term blood pressure, we refer to arterial blood pressure. It is always important to maintain the homeostasis of the blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is maintained by renal angiotensin hormonal system. When a person becomes exited or stressed, the blood pressure rise. Deviation from the normal blood pressure is detected by baroreceptors which are on the wall of some arteries in the neck and thorax (Books LLC, 2010). These receptors send message and impulses to the medulla oblongata which is the control centre. The control centre interprets the message from the receptors, and sends impulses to the effectors which is the heart, with commands on how to restore the situation. The heart in turn adjusts the diameter of the blood vessels, slows the pulse rate, hence decreasing blood pressure (Saladin, 2010). Imbalance in the blood pressure can cause a heart attack and eventually death if homeostasis is not maintained. Blood pressure changes are done routinely so as to direct appropriate amounts of nutrients and oxygen to different parts of the body. The cardiovascular centre is responsible for the regulation and maintaining homeostasis of the blood pressure (JBRA, 2010). It manages cardiac output by adjusting the diameter of the blood vessel. Oxygen circulation Oxygen circulation is made possible by the systemic circulation that provides functional blood supply to all tissues of the body (Chiras, 2009). It carries oxygen to the cells through the blood. The respiratory system is responsible for providing oxygen to the circulatory system. Supply of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide helps in maintaining homeostasis of the oxygen saturation (Sherwood, 2010). Oxygen circulation in the body is very vital in the body so as to avoid a lot of carbon dioxide build up, and accumulation of acids in the body, which denature enzymes and cells. The respiration system helps in maintaining homeostasis for oxygen circulation in the body. The state of homeostasis is achieved when there is normal breathing, and oxygen is circulated all over the body, and carbon dioxide excreted from the body (Polit & Beck, 2008). When there are activities being done that use a lot of energy, for example exercises, the respiratory system have to work faster so as to maintain the oxygen supply in the cells and intercellular fluid all over the body within normal limits. Breathing becomes quick and intake of oxygen from the body is also fast. The excretion of carbon dioxide from the cells is also fast. This is because the muscles use up more oxygen during exercise, and more carbon dioxide is released, which also needs to be excreted (Chiras, 2009). This change is detected by some nerve cells which send a message to the brain. The brain interprets the message and sends a response to the heart to increase its action of pumping. More blood is pimped fast to the lungs where it is oxygenated, then pumped to the body as well as the muscles. Deoxygenated blood in turn is pumped to the lungs where the blood is oxygenated, hence getting rid of carbon dioxide (Belk & Maier, 2008). The respiratory muscles also receive a command from the brain to contract more rapidly so as to increase carbon dioxide exhalation and oxygen delivery. This process helps in maintaining homeostasis for oxygen circulation. Part B 1: Physiological cause for elevation of vital signs Temperature The normal body temperature is 37◦C which is equivalent to 98.6F. This temperature varies from time to time as well as from individual to individual. However, the temperature in a human body is not always constant and it can be elevated as a result of some factors which can be external or even internal. A temporary body temperature elevation can be caused by factors like physical activities (Belk & Maier, 2008). When there is a consistent body temperature elevation, a fever is said to exist. Physical activities like exercising and hard work requires burning up of energy and stored fat. This cause a lot of heat, and in turn, makes the body temperature rise (Sherwood, 2010). Muscle contraction when doing physical activity generates a lot of heat in the body, and this heat is responsible for causing an elevation in the body temperature, which in most cases is temporary as the body works towards maintaining homeostasis (Doherty, 2006). Pulse Pulse, which is the heart rate, is usually 60 up to 100 beats per minute. That is how the heart is made to beat the body undergoes physiological changes which changes the heart rate by increasing it. An increased heart rate is called tachycardia, which is the natural way of ensuring that all the nutrients and oxygen for survival are received by the body. Exercise elevates pulse rate because, when the muscles are working hard, they need more nutrients and oxygen (Starr & McMillan, 2008). Since is a natural defence for the body, during physical activity to increase the heart rate, pumping of the heart becomes faster so as to deliver enough and steady supply of oxygen to the working muscles. Therefore, the pulse rate becomes elevated so as to meet the demand of oxygen and nutrients by the working muscles. Continuous exercises can cause dehydration, and this can lead to elevated pulse. When the blood amount brought to the heart through the vena cava is low, the pulse rate increases in response to that (Saladin, 2010). This is because of the left ventricle’s sensitivity to the amount of blood it gets. If the left ventricle sense that the amount of fluid has decreased, it in turn pumps faster so as to continue providing the body with oxygenated blood. This causes elevation of the pulse rate. Respiration Hypercapnia which is a high carbon dioxide concentration in the body causes an elevation in respiration (JBRA, 2010). This is because there is low level of oxygen in the blood. In this case, the receptors send an impulse to the brain which directs the blood to pump blood faster so as to supply oxygen in the body. The respiratory muscles are commanded to contract faster so as to provide the lungs with oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide. This makes breathing faster, so as to inhale more oxygen and excrete the carbon dioxide from the body. This condition takes place because of poor gas exchange at the lungs, making it difficult for a person to excrete carbon dioxide from the body (Saladin, 2010). Elevated respiration takes place so as to counteract the action of carbon dioxide concentration (Belk & Maier, 2008). Blood Pressure Elevated or high blood pressure is also referred to as hypertension. High blood pressure is dangerous as it makes the heart work hard to pump blood all over the body. It also contributes to the arteries hardening as well as heart failure (Starr & McMillan, 2008). Normal blood pressure is less than 120/ 80. Obesity is a factor that causes elevation of blood pressure. The additional body fat tissues require nutrients and oxygen so as to live, and require more blood from the blood vessels to be circulated to the fat tissue. This in turn amplifies the heart workload because it must and has to more blood via blood vessels which are additional. Circulating more blood means more pressure on the walls of the artery (Tornval & Wilhelmsson, 2008). Blood pressure is increased by higher pressure exerted on the artery walls. Obese or extra weight raises heart rate, hence an elevated blood pressure. Part B, 2: Physiological cause for decrease of vital signs Temperature A condition where the body temperature is lower than normal, which is 98 degrees Fahrenheit, is known as hypothermal. Hypothermal leads to a situation whereby the normal body processes are impaired and slowed down, and may lead to unconsciousness. Hypothermia occurs whenever a human body loses more heat that it is processing. A major cause of hypothermia is a cold environment or weather (Sherwood, 2010). Direct and prolonged contact with cold environment, colder than a person’s body, causes a decrease in body temperature. This is because heat from an individual’s body is conducted away. Since water is a good conductor of heat, cold water transfers heat very fast from the body of a person, faster than the generation of heat in the body. This causes outright decrease in the body temperature, which in turn slows down the body processes. Pulse Hypothermia is one factor that causes a decrease in pulse rate. Body temperature being lover than the standard or normal 95 degrees Fahrenheit impairs the normal functioning of the body processes (Doherty, 2006). It affects functions like breathing vision, blood pressure, muscles and even speech. Therefore, when the heart rate slows down, it is followed by the pulse rate which also becomes low. A person can survive hypothermia for a few hours, although it can lead to unconsciousness (Starr & McMillan, 2008). When the normal functioning of the body like the use- up of energy and circulation of oxygen in the body reduces, the pumping of the heart is also reduced, less blood is pumped into the lungs and the body, hence a decreased blood pressure. When the heart rate reduces less blood is pumped and the pulse is naturally made slow or low. A normal body temperature causes normal functioning of the body processes including the pulse; hence a decrease in body temperature reduces or slows the pulse as well. Respiration Age is a common factor that causes reduced respiration. This is because the respiration system goes through various physiological, immunological and anatomical changes as the age advance. The total respiration system compliance can be impaired as a result of thoracic spine and chest wall deformities (Sherwood, 2010). This can lead result to a decrease in respiration. The strength of respiratory muscles decrease as the age advance, and this can mess up a cough which helps in airway clearance. Chest wall and lung compliance are included in the total respiratory system. With aging thoracic cage changes and it reduces the compliance of the chest wall. Osteoporosis caused by age reduces the thoracic vertebrae height. This in turn decreases the ability of thoracic cage expanding during respiration and the diaphragm is impaired from generating effective contraction. This in turn makes it hard to empty the lungs completely from a chest wall that is stiff. This hence causes a decrease in respiration among older people (Saladin, 2010). Reduction of the diaphragm strength with age advance may influence older people to the fatigue of the diaphragm and ventilatory failure when there is increased respiratory ventilator load. Blood pressure An individual’s blood pressure can vary throughout the day from 30 up to 40 mmHg, and this is both diastolic and systolic (Belk & Maier, 2008). All this variation depends on what a person is doing, or the activity being undertaken. There are various factors which cause a decrease in blood pressure like drugs or medication. Some types of medication are responsible for the decrease in blood pressure like beta- blockers. Beta- blockers are prescribed when an individual has heart problem, and they reduce blood pressure. Alpha blockers calcium channel blockers and digitalis are prescribed for the purpose of decreasing heart rate and pulse (Doherty, 2006). These medications in the process of executing their purpose decreases blood pressure as well. This is because, when the heart rate of pumping blood is reduced, the pulse reduces with it, and the blood pressure follows forth. This is because; the blood pressure cannot be higher than the heart’s rate of pumping the blood. The hearts pumping is what gives the blood pressure, hence with the medication that slows down the heart rate; blood pressure also decreases (Sherwood, 2010). Some medication may be prescribed and administered as a result of counteracting the process of high blood pressure to avoid a heart failure, and therefore, a reduced blood pressure might result as a side effect of the medication. Some antidepressants are also responsible for decreasing blood pressure since they help an individual to reduce depression and relax (Belk & Maier, 2008). The more a person is relaxed, the lower the blood pressure gets. Conclusion It is natural for the body to try and maintain a balance in all the physiological vital signs, and the process of homeostasis occurs naturally. However there are some extreme cases where the body cannot maintain an internal balance and has to relay on other factors like medication, for example, in case of a heart attack. In reality, despite the need for always maintaining an internal balance, homeostasis, the human body is not static, neither is the environment, hence there will always be changes for example in temperature or heat beat because of an activity being done by an individual. Therefore, the nursing and medical comes in handy to rescue the situation of extreme disruption of homeostasis which the body cannot control alone like high blood pressure and heart attack, hence the importance of the profession. References Belk, C & Maier, V. (2008). Human biology. Benjamin Cummings: New York. Books, LLC. (2010). Homeostasis: Human homeostasis, Le Chatelier principls, thermoregulation, insular cortex, blood sugar, neural to down control of physiology. General book: Philadelphia. Chiras, D. (2009). Human biology: Health, homeostasis and Environment. Jones and Bartlett Publishers: London. Doherty, B. (2006). Homeostasis- Part 1: anatomy and physiology. Nursing Times; 102: 14, 26. JBRHA. (2012). Biological regulators and homeostasis agents. Journal of biological regulators and homeostasis agents, 26: 4, 226- 287. Polit, H, & Beck C.T. (2008). Nursing Research. New Delhi: Williams and Wilkins. Saladin, K. (2010). Anatomy and physiology: the unity of form and function. McGraw- Hill: London. Sherwood, L. (2010). Human physiology (7th ed.) Cengage Learning: London. Starr, C. & McMillan, B. (2008). Human biology (8th ed.). Cengage Learning: Beverly. Tornval, E. & Wilhelmsson, S. (2008). Nursing documentation for communication and evaluating care. Journal of Clinical Nursing; 17: 16, 2116-2124. Read More