28.

2 Mechanisms of Homeostasis

p. 81-82

KEY CONCEPT
Homeostasis is the regulation and maintenance of the
internal environment.

28.2 Mechanisms of Homeostasis

Conditions within the body must remain within a narrow
range.
Homeostasis involves keeping the internal environment
within set ranges.

28.2 Mechanisms of Homeostasis

Control systems help maintain homeostasis like ...
A. Sensors = gather data
pore
senses
sweat
B. Control Center= receives
glands
data, interprets info, sends
messages out.
hair
brain
follicle
muscle
C. Communication System=
delivers messages to target
organs, tissues
PNS (e.g. motor neurons)
goose
D. Targets = respond to change. bump
muscles, glands (release
hormones)

28.2 Mechanisms of Homeostasis

Negative feedback loops are necessary for homeostasis.
Feedback compares current conditions to the bodys
comfort levels (=Set Ranges).
Negative feedback counteracts change and brings the
body back to homeostasis.
Negative
Feedback Loop

Holding breath, CO2

levels rise,

O2 / CO2 level returns to

normal

Control system forces

exhale, inhale

28.2 Mechanisms of Homeostasis

Positive feedback: increases change away from the set
points. Needed for rapid change in the body.
Ex. #1 = Torn blood vessels stimulates the release of
clotting factors to stop blood flow.
platelets

blood vessel

fibrin

clot
white blood cell
red blood cell

Ex. #2 = Growth hormones stimulate cell division

28.2 Mechanisms of Homeostasis

Thermoregulation: The process of maintaining a steady
body temperature under a variety of conditions.
Systems Involved:
1. Muscular*
2. Integument (skin)*
3. Respiratory
4. Circulatory
5. Nervous (hypothalamus in brain)
6. Endocrine (hormones, feedback)

28.2 Mechanisms of Homeostasis

28.2 Mechanisms of Homeostasis

A disruption of homeostasis can be harmful.

Homeostasis can be disrupted for several reasons.

1. sensors fail (dont detect changes)
2. targets do not receive messages (nerve issues)
3. injury (overwhelm homeostatic controls)
4. illness (viruses or bacteria)
*Disruption of homeostasis can begin in one organ and
cause a chain reaction in the others therefore causing a
major body disturbance.

28.2 Mechanisms of Homeostasis

Organ systems must also work together to keep the
organism healthy.
Organ systems work together to produce Vitamin D.
Thermoregulation maintains a steady body temperature.

UV light

Skin absorbs UV light

Liver produces inactive vitamin D

Kidneys produce active vitamin D

Active vitamin D used in bones

28.2 Mechanisms of Homeostasis

Stimulus: Body
Temp. Sensors

Target:
Muscles/Glands

Body
Temperature
Regulation

Control Syst.
=Brain

Commun.Syst:
Nerve
Receptors