Question

What is homeostasis?

Answer 1

Homeostasis is defined as the maintenance of a stable and constant internal environment in the body. It involves maintaining a constant temperature, pH, osmolarity, etc.

Complete answer: Homeostasis helps in maintaining the functional balance of a biological system. Homeostasis maintenance involves the use of a negative feedback loop mechanism that opposes the stimulus which interferes with the body stimulus.
For example, when we exercise, there is heat production in the body and the body temperature rises which gets detected by the nerve sensors present in the body and the temperature control system in the brain is activated. It then activates sweat glands that helps in bringing the body temperature back to normal.
As homeostasis depends on the negative feedback mechanism so it is important that these loops function properly and do not get interrupted. Any disruption in these loops causes diseases or disorders in the body.
For example, insulin is a hormone that helps in decreasing the blood glucose level by triggering the fat cells and muscle cells to take up the glucose and use as fuel for energy. It also converts the excess glucose into glycogen for storage. Another hormone glucagon, increases the concentration of glucose in the blood and breaks glycogen into glucose when the blood sugar level falls. Any disruption in their function, disturbs the glucose homeostasis in the body and causes disorders like diabetes.

Note: Homeostasis is also maintained in the ecosystem that maintains the equilibrium between the different components of the ecosystem. It is dynamic and is maintained through various controls like mineral cycling, self-regulation, feedback interactions, etc.