P5 Unit 5

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Pages: 6

P5- Explain the concept of homeostasis in relation to the four homeostatic mechanisms
Homeostasis refers to the control and maintenance of the internal environment. This is opposite to the external environment and is the conditions in your body, internal environment is necessary for survival to all organisms (not only in the human body). There are different internal factors that are maintained through homeostasis such as:
• Control of the water balance of the blood
• Control of blood sugar levels
• Control of body temperature
• Control of the blood urea level
Negative feedback is regulatory mechanism that triggers a response from change. All internal factors of homeostasis has a specific mechanism for the particular factor these are:
• Body temperature Regulation
• Heart Rate Regulation
• Blood Glucose Regulation
• Breathing Rate Regulation
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The normal body temperature is 37 Degrees Celsius. If the body has a significant change in temperature it can damage the body’s enzymes, the body uses homeostasis to help the body adapt to changes so this does not happen. When the body is hot then blood vessels dilate which allows blood to get to the surface and closer to the skin. The hypothalamus is found in the brain and is the control system for the autonomic functions. It is connected to the endocrine and nervous systems which allows it to play an important role in maintaining homeostasis. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates the internal environment of the body and when the body temperature is high and the body gets hot the ANS triggers different responses such