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Homeostasis

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Sajeda Gergab
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7 views

Homeostasis

Uploaded by

Sajeda Gergab
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Homeostasis

Definition:

Homeostasis means keeping the composition of internal environment of the body (interstitial
fluid or ECF) constant regarding :

1- Volume (water content).


2- Ions (Na , Cl, HCO3)
3- Temperature
4- pH

Interstitial fluid or ECF is called the internal environment of the body because it is the
environment that surrounds the body cells. Life is possible within narrow limits of change in
chemical or physical properties of internal environment.

Most biological system in the body work, either directly or indirectly, to maintain homeostasis
i.e. to keep the internal environment optimum for cellular function .

The function of these biological systems is regulated by 2 control systems:

1- Nervous system
2- Endocrinal (hormonal) system
Feedback control of the homeostasis mechanisms:

Definition: feedback control means the control of certain function by the resultant effect of
this function .

Types :

1. Negative feedback control


The most common, in which the resultant effect of a function inhibits the function (an
effect inhibits itself).
Negative feedback control leads to stability of internal environment:
Examples:
a- Regulation of blood glucose level :-

b- Regulation of high arterial blood pressure


c- Regulation of CO2 in blood

Increase CO2 in blood > Hyperventilation > CO2 wash > decrease CO2 back to normal
2. Positive feedback control:
 Less common , in which the resultant effect of a function stimulates
that function (an effect stimulates itself).
 It leads to instability of internal environment
Examples;

1. Decrease in coronary blood flow >Heart failure (weakness of heart)> decrease in


cardiac output > decrease in Arterial blood pressure (ABP)
2. Increase of heat production > Heart stroke > increase in metabolic rate
Positive feedback can sometimes be useful, i.e., operate in the body to
complete certain function
Example : process of labor:

> reflex uterine contraction > descend of baby > more


Stretch of uterine cervix

stretch of cervix > more uterine contraction > more descend of baby and so on
until labor is complete.

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