The Process of Homeostasis - Essay Example

HOMEOSTATIS I. WHAT IS HOMEOSTASIS Homeostasis is the regulation of the physiological processes of organisms to preserve their internal equilibrium as a reaction to changes in the external environment (Homeostastis, Excretion and the Kidneys). Stability is the aim of Homeostasis as it controls internal reactions against external changes by adjusting its processes to maintain balance. For the purpose of this paper, we will be limiting the reference to humans as organisms. II. THE PROCESS OF EXCRETION The search and removal of wastes inside the body which it produces, is called the process of excretion (Poison Protection). The major organs of excretion are the kidneys for urine elimination, the large intestines for expelling of solid wastes, the lungs for expelling carbon dioxide and water vapor, and the skin for eliminating salt and water through sweat. The failure of the organs to excrete waste products is very detrimental to the health of a person and could possibly lead to death. Diseases are likewise outcomes of this failure. There are natural bodily processes like Osmoregulation which creates balance thus preventing the occurrence of diseases relating to the excretory organs. There are also man-made treatments to combat the negative effects of the malfunction of the excretory systems like Dialysis for severe kidney diseases. We shall concentrate on the two excretory organs: the kidneys as a component of the urinary system and the skin as a regulator of temperature. In the course of the discussion of the structures and functions of the urinary system and the skin, the effects of the failure of these systems will be tackled. The terms Osmoregulation and Dialysis will likewise be elaborated and explained. A. The Urinary System The urinary system has four major components: the kidneys, the ureters, the urinary bladder and the urethra. The main organs of the urinary system are the kidneys. The kidneys with its functional components called nephrons, form the urine. The process begins during blood circulation. Blood contains Urea, which is produced when protein-rich foods are broken down. Blood through the bloodstream travels through the kidneys and deposits the urea there along with water and other waste matters. This results to the formation of urine. The ureters are small tubes where urine passes through going to the bladder. Urine is then stored in the urinary bladder. The bladder sends information if there is a need for urination when the bladder is filled up. The contractions of the muscles in the bladder release the urine into a tube called urethra. The urethra is the last passageway which allows the body to release urine or to undergo the process of urination. The primary function of the urinary system is to get rid of waste products in the body resulting from cellular metabolism. This function preserves the normal composition and volume of body fluids. Aside from maintaining the appropriate amount of water in the body, the urinary system also has other functions. It sustains the normal pH of the blood and helps in managing the proper production of red blood cells by secreting the erythropoietin hormone. By producing the renin enzyme, the urinary system likewise helps in the maintenance of normal blood pressure. What will happen if the major components of the urinary system fail It will lead to major health problems. Diseases or disorders resulting from the urinary system failure include Kidney Stones which vary in size and may cause little or great pain, and Renal Failure of the kidneys which is a result of the kidneys not being able to properly and completely remove waste products from the blood. In this case, the kidneys are also not able to regulate the chemicals and water in the body. Other disorders are the Urinary Tract Infections which are caused by urinary tract bacteria, Urinary Incontinence, or the inability to control the bladder in releasing urine, and Urinary Retention, or problems in emptying the bladder (Your Urinary System and How It Works, 2006). These are just some of the disorders resulting from the malfunction of the urinary system components. Treatments range from eating healthy foods and increase in the intake of water, to more serious treatments like Dialysis. B. Dialysis This treatment is used for renal kidney failure where both kidneys are not working. Since there is no working kidney, Dialysis acts as a replacement and helps in removing wastes and fluid from the blood. It also helps in controlling blood pressure. There are two major types of Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis utilizes an artificial kidney or a hemodialyzer in removing waste, fluid and extra chemicals from the blood. This procedure is done through minor surgery on the leg or arm. Peritoneal dialysis on the other hand is administered by placing a catheter into the abdomen. Dialysate, which is a special solution will then be placed in the catheter and will cleanse the blood of waste products. C. Osmoregulation Osmoregulation is a means of homeostasis. It maintains a balance of mineral salts and water in the blood by controlling osmotic pressure (Osmoregulation, 2006). It regulates the concentration of water in the bloodstream. By maintaining the same concentration of salts and water inside and outside the cells, osmosis will not have any excess fluids to move and the body tissues will not gain or lose water. If there is excess water in our bodies, this excess will fill up the cells to the point of swelling or even bursting. D. The Skin It is the largest organ and the organ responsible for regulating temperature in the body. The thermoregulation process of the skin is an aspect of Homeostasis. It maintains equilibrium by adjusting and responding differently to hot and cold conditions so that the temperature inside the body will remain stable or constant. During cold weather or conditions, shivering produces heat to warm up the body. Vasoconstriction or the constricting of the blood capillaries happens so the blood may carry less heat, thus preserving it. Sweat glands also stop producing sweat and the hair stands on end to trap heat. During hot weather or conditions, sweat is secreted by sweat glands to refresh the skin's surface and hair is flat so heat will not be trapped between the hairs. Vasolidation occurs where instead of constricting like what it does during cold weather, blood capillaries dilate during hot conditions so that the blood may carry more heat which will eventually leave the body. References Components of the Urinary System. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2007, from Seer's Training: http://training.seer.cancer.gov/module_anatomy/unit11_2_uri_components.html Homeostastis, Excretion and the Kidneys. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2007, from BioTopics: http://www.biotopics.co.uk/human2/homkid.html Osmoregulation. (2006, Nov 19). Retrieved June 15, 2007, from Gondar Design Science: http://www.purchon.com/biology/osmoregulation.htm Poison Protection. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2007, from The Franklin Institute Resources for Science Learning: http://www.fi.edu/biosci/systems/excretion.html Your Urinary System and How It Works. (2006, Oct). Retrieved June 15, 2007, from National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearing House: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yoururinary/index.htm#6 Read More