Homeostasis and examples

Homeostasis and examples

The concept of Homeostasis was first introduced by Cannon to describe the relative constancy of the internal processes of the body , such as blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels , blood pressure , body temperature , blood glucose , and fluid and electrolyte balance . To Cannon , the word homeostasis did not imply something stagnant , set or immobile it meant a condition that may vary but remained relatively constant . Cannon viewed the human being as a separate from the external environment and constantly endeavoring to maintain physiologic equilibrium , or balance , through adaptation to

that environment Homeostasis , then , is the tendency of the body to maintain a state of balance or equilibrium while continually changing . The homeostatic mechanisms have four characteristics : they are self-regulating , they are compensatory , they tend to be regulated by negative feedback systems they may require several feedback mechanisms to correct and they may require several feedback mechanisms to correct only one physiologic imbalance . In good health , a delicate balance of fluids , electrolytes and acids and bases is maintained in the body . This balance , or physiologic homeostasis , depends on multiple physiologic processes that regulate fluid intake and output and the movement of water and the substances dissolved in it between the body compartments . Almost every little illness has the potential to threaten this balance . Even in daily living , excessive temperatures or vigorous activities can disturb the balance if adequate water and salt intake is not maintained . The volume and composition of body fluids is regulated through several homeostatic mechanisms . A number of body systems contribute to this regulation including the kidneys , the endocrine system , the cardiovascular system the lungs , and the gastrointestinal system

Reference

Allender , J . A Spradley , B . W (2000 . Community health nursing Concepts and practice (5th Ed . Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams and Wilkins

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