Question

What is the process of homeostasis?

Answer 1

Homeostasis:

1. Homeostasis is a self-regulating mechanism by which an organism maintains stability while adapting to conditions that are favorable to its existence.
2. Our body achieves homeostasis via two mechanisms: positive and negative feedback.
3. Positive feedback relies on the direct proportional response between the receptor and the effector while negative feedback relies on the indirect proportionality between the receptor and the effector.
4. Homeostasis is best illustrated by the regulation of the temperature of the human body.
5. Once the body temperature rises beyond its normal range, this increase is sensed by the thermostat located in the hypothalamus which leads to heat loss via sweating.
6. On the other hand, when the temperature falls, it initiates shivering to produce heat.
7. If homeostasis functions effectively in an organism then the organism is able to sustain itself.