Homeostasis

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we are learning how the cells and systems work together to survive. One process in which these systems work together is called homeostasis. The body is responding to a stimulus and acting to keep the body working properly. These responses may be external or internal. The mechanism involves a stimuli, hormone response and a self-adjusting mechanism or feedback regulation. We will test our own body’s homeostasis looking at heart rate.

Materials:
• Timer/Stopwatch – you can use a cell phone
• Calculator
Part. I.
The goal of this assignment is to demonstrate what you learned about explaining the concept of homeostasis, explaining a specific feedback mechanism and summarizing the process of homeostasis.

For this assignment, you need to write a short explanation explaining the provided flow chart for homeostasis feedback and include all of the following:
• your own definition of homeostasis,
• use a flowchart to create a specific feedback loop in the maintenance of homeostasis,
• and a detailed explanation of one example of a negative feedback loop in the body (you may not use thermoregulation).
• Cite all references.

Sample Solution

 

Homeostasis: Maintaining the Body’s Balance

Homeostasis refers to the ability of the body to maintain a relatively constant internal environment despite external or internal changes. This delicate balance is crucial for optimal cell function and overall health. Our bodies rely on a complex system of feedback loops to achieve homeostasis.

Understanding Feedback Loops with a Flowchart

Here’s a simple flowchart illustrating a general feedback loop in maintaining homeostasis:

+—————–+      Stimulus (change in internal environment)

|                 v

| Sensor detects    |

| the change       v

+—————–+

|

v

+—————–+      Control Center (processes information)

|                 v

| Determines        |

| appropriate       v

| response          v

+—————–+

|

v

+—————–+      Effector (produces a response)

|                 v

| Counteracts      |

| the initial      v

| change           v

+—————–+

|

v

+—————–+      (New internal environment closer to set point)

|       Set Point     |

+—————–+

Example of a Negative Feedback Loop: Blood Sugar Regulation

Let’s explore a specific example of a negative feedback loop in the human body, focusing on blood sugar regulation (glycemic control).

  1. Stimulus: Imagine you consume a sugary drink, causing your blood sugar levels (glucose) to rise above the normal range (set point).
  2. Sensor Detects the Change: The pancreas, a gland behind your stomach, contains specialized cells called beta cells that act as sensors for blood sugar levels.
  3. Control Center and Response: When beta cells detect high blood sugar, they send a signal to release insulin, a hormone, into the bloodstream. This acts as the control center’s response.
  4. Effector and Counteracting the Change: Insulin acts as the effector in this loop. It unlocks cells throughout the body, allowing them to absorb glucose from the bloodstream, effectively lowering blood sugar levels.
  5. Returning to Set Point: As insulin does its job, blood sugar levels gradually decrease, returning closer to the normal range (set point). Once the set point is reached, insulin production slows down or stops.

This negative feedback loop ensures that blood sugar levels stay within a healthy range, preventing both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

In Conclusion

Homeostasis is a vital process that keeps our bodies functioning properly. By understanding the role of feedback loops, particularly negative feedback loops, we can appreciate how the body constantly adjusts to maintain a stable internal environment.

 

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