Homeostasis

Homeostasis: The ability to maintain a stable internal environment, many times in response to the external environment

Main Purposes:

- Buffers for pH

- Temperature Control

- Glucose Levels

- Water Balance

Homeostasis is when the body controls itself to have a stable internal environment. Most of the time, this occurs due to changes in the external environment. The first thing homeostasis does is act as a buffer for pH. They do this because enzymes are weak and require a certain pH. The next way that homeostasis works is through temperature control. The body does this through metabolism, blood vessel contraction, hair and fat, shivering, laying in sun or near fire, and sweat. The 3rd way is through glucose levels. This works by the body releasing different levels of insulin and glycogen. Finally through water balance, which is self explanatory.

Before we learned about homeostasis all I knew was what it was. I did not know what the body did to maintain it. I think it is surprising how much the body can do to change itself so that the organism can survive. I like this subject because of how interesting it is and I think that homeostasis can be used outside of biology. I think that this information can be used in machines possibly so that they may regulate themselves.