Anatomy

The existence and maintenance of a relatively constant environment within the human body are crucial and fundamental for the normal functions of all living cells. This means the internal environment of the body must be maintained by regulatory processes despite changes that may occur in the external environment.

Functions such as body temperature, is maintained within a range of a said set point, which is said to be between 37.2 degrees Celsius and 37.6 degrees. (www.bookrags.com/research/homestasis-ansc-03, www.biologyreference.com/Ho-La/Homestasis.html) For example, when there is a temperature drop in an external environment; the homeostatic mechanism will make adjustments to generate body heat so the internal temperature of the body is maintained with the required range as not to cause cell damage or death. (science.jrank.org/pages/3365/Homeostasis.html)

The homeostatic mechanism to maintain temperature is controlled by a process called negative feedback, with negative feedback any “deviation from the normal range of function is opposed, or resisted. The change or deviation in the controlled value initiates responses that bring the function of the organ or structure back to within the normal range.” (http://fog.ccsf.ca.us/~mmalacho/physio/oll/Lesson1/hstasis.html)

There are three main components within a homeostatic mechanism, specific neurons act as receptors to detect changes in temperature from the external environment. These receptors then send the information to the control centre which is the hypothalamus, the control centre then compares the temperature from the receptors and the body’s set point. If the temperature does differ the control centre will send out signal to an effectors in order to bring the temperature within the body to the set point.

(www.bookrags.com/research/homestasis-ansc-03,)

For example, when a person is exercising, this activity causes a lot of heat due to the muscle contraction. This additional heat (stimulus) will...