Homeostasis

Organismal Biology
General Biology 2
 Homeostasis
• HOMEO means: the same
• STASIS means: standing still
• Homeostasis literally means unchanging.
• But the term does not really mean an unchanging
state. Instead, it indicates a dynamic state of
equilibrium, or a balance in which internal conditions
change and vary.
 Homeostasis

• Homeostasis is the ability

of the organism to
maintain relatively stable
internal conditions in a
constantly changing
external environment.
 Homeostatic Imbalance

• Homeostasis is so
important that most
disease is regarded as a
result of its disturbance, a
condition called
Homeostatic Imbalance.
 Feedback Mechanisms

• Components:
• 1. Variable
• 2. Receptor
• 3. Control Center
• 4. Effector
 Feedback Mechanisms

• 1. Variable
• The variable is
the factor or
event being
regulated.
 Feedback Mechanisms
• 2. Receptor
• The receptor is
some type of
sensor that
monitors and
responds to the
changes called
stimuli by
sending
information
(input).
• 3. Control Center Feedback Mechanisms
• The control center
determines the
level (set point) at
which a variable is
to be maintained,
analyzes the
information it
receives and then
determines the
appropriate
response or a
course of action.
 Feedback Mechanisms
• 4. Effector
• The effector
provides the
means for the
control
center’s
response
(output) to the
stimulus.
 Feedback Mechanisms

• Types:
• 1. Negative Feedback
Mechanism
• 2. Positive Feedback
Mechanism
 Negative Feedback Mechanism

• Negative Feedback Mechanisms result when a

change in condition triggers action that reverses
the change.
• Most homeostatic control mechanisms are
negative feedback mechanisms.
 Positive Feedback Mechanism
• Mechanisms that result in having the body react to
a change by amplifying it.
• These are much rare in the body because they tend
to increase the original disturbance (stimulus) and to
push the variable farther from its original value.
• These mechanisms control infrequent events that
occur explosively and do not require continuous
adjustments.
 Organ Systems promote Homeostasis

• In general, the body is in homeostasis when its needs

are being adequately met and it is functioning
smoothly.
• Every organ system plays a role in maintaining the
constancy of the internal environment.
Organ Systems in
Homeostasis