Homeostasis in Organ Systems

Alba Reynoso

with: Charyl Adams

Give an example of how homeostasis works in each organ system. State the receptor, control center, and effector. For each organ system, infer what may be a possible outcome if a homeostatic process did not work.*

Reproductive system

The reproductive system relates to the maintenance of the species. Having said that, the sex hormones do have an effect on other body systems, and an imbalance can lead to various disorders (e.g. a woman whose ovaries are removed early in life is at much higher risk of osteoporosis).

* A woman whose ovaries are removed early in life is at much higher risk of osteoporosis

Muscular system

The muscular system is also responsible for involuntary (e.g. goosebumps, digestion, breathing) and voluntary (e.g. walking, picking up objects) actions. The muscles in your body contract, which increases your body heat when you're cold. The act of shivering occurs when internal temperature drops. Muscles around vital organs contract, breaking down ATP, and thereby expending heat, which is then distributed to the rest of the body.

*The heart could stop pumping and you would die.

Skeletal system

Bones work in conjunction with the muscular system to aid in posture and locomotion and it also protects vital organs are encased within the skeletal cavities (eg. cranial and spinal). The skeletal system also serves as an important mineral reserve. For example, if blood levels of calcium or magnesium are low and the minerals are not available in the diet, they will be taken from the bones. Also, the skeletal system provides calcium needed for all muscular contraction. Finally, red blood cells, lymphocytes and other cells relating to the immune response are produced and stored in the bone marrow.

*If minerals are lacking from your diet, you couldn’t get them anywhere else.

Integumentary system

The integumentary system (the skin) is involved in protecting the body from invading microbes (mainly by forming a...