Use examples to explain how body systems interrelate with each other. D1

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Viktoria Robins                          Anatomy and Physiology, Unit 5

Use examples to explain how body systems interrelate with each other. D1

Homeostasis is a point of balance or internal equilibrium. All living organisms need homeostasis. They use a variety of techniques, e.g. the release of hormones and physical reactions like sweating or panting.

One way to think about homeostasis is to imagine a set of scales. If coins are poured into one side of the scale, the scales slip out of balance. If weights are piled onto the other side, the scales will eventually balance. If too many weights are added, the scales will become unbalanced again. The body is like a set of scales, working constantly to achieve a state of balance.

One process in homeostasis is known as negative feedback. Negative feedback reflects the body's desire to return to a normal state, signalling that a problem is occurring and regulating the resulting processes to ensure that the body reaches homeostasis rather than going too far in the wrong direction. In positive feedback, the body encourages the rapid increase of an activity to deal with an emerging situation, as for example when white blood cell production increases to cope with an infection.

A number of things can interfere with the body's desire to achieve homeostasis, causing a variety of medical conditions. Hormone imbalances, infections, dehydration, gout, and hypoglycaemia are all examples of conditions, which are related to homeostasis. Introducing toxins into the bloodstream can also disrupt homeostasis. This may include toxins that are meant to have a medical benefit, e.g. chemotherapy. Blood pressure, temperature, blood sugar, hormone levels, and enzyme levels are all homeostatic processes in the human body, and problems with any of these processes can indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition.

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People are generally healthier when their bodies are in a state of homeostasis, and their bodies send numerous messages to promote homeostasis. For example, when low blood sugar appears to be developing, people tend to feel hungry, because their brains tell them to eat. Specific cravings can emerge in response to nutritional deficiencies, with the brain essentially creating a shopping list, which will help the body reach a state of balance. People may also feel driven to drink water, exercise, or engage in other activities.

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