Question

What is Homeostasis ?

Answer 1

Homeostasiscan be defined as the stable condition of an organism and of itsinternal environment;^[1]or as the maintenance or regulation of the stable condition, or its equilibrium;^[2]or simply as the balance of bodily functions.^[3]The stable condition is the condition of optimal functioning for the organism, and is dependent on many variables, such asbody temperatureandfluid balance, being kept within certain pre-set limits.^[4]Other variables include thepHofextracellular fluid, the concentrations ofsodium,potassiumandcalciumions, as well as that of theblood sugar level, and these need to be regulated despite changes in the environment, diet, or level of activity. Each of these variables is controlled by one or more regulators or homeostatic mechanisms, which together maintain life.