Science

Vocabulary: Human Homeostasis

Vocabulary

• Dehydration – a state of not having enough water inside the body.

o Failure to drink enough water can lead to dehydration.

o Vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive activity on a hot day also can lead to loss of body fluids and eventually dehydration.

o Severe dehydration can cause fainting and requires immediate medical attention.

• Heat stroke – serious medical condition caused by a very high body temperature.

o Heat stroke usually occurs when body temperature is greater than 40 °C

(104 °F).

o Heat stroke often occurs when the body is dehydrated and is no longer able to produce sweat or when it is so humid outside that sweat does not evaporate.

o Symptoms of heat stroke include skin that is hot and dry, headache, dizziness, vomiting, chills, and loss of consciousness. Death can result without immediate medical attention.

• Homeostasis – the maintenance of stable conditions inside the body in spite of changing external or internal conditions.

o Thermoregulation (keeping a stable body temperature) is an example of homeostasis.

o Other examples of homeostasis include keeping a constant level of oxygen in the blood, regulating blood sugar, and preventing the buildup of waste products in the body.

• Hypothermia – serious medical condition in which body temperature is abnormally low.

o Stage 1 hypothermia occurs when body temperature is 35 °C–36 °C (95 °F–

97 °F). Symptoms include shivering, goose bumps, and numb fingers and toes.

o Stage 2 hypothermia occurs when body temperature is 33 °C–35 °C (91 °F–

95 °F). Symptoms include violent shivering, pale skin, blue lips, and slow or awkward movements.

o Stage 3 hypothermia occurs when body temperature is below 32 °C (90 °F). Shivering stops, and the victim will have difficulty speaking...