Our Body and the Function of Homeostasis

¶ … body and the function of Homeostasis

Define the process of homeostasis, then list and explain five homeostatic functions that our bodies perform.

According to Steve Nakoneshny, who quotes a definition from Thibodeau & Patton, homeostasis can be defined as "the relative constancy of the normal body's internal environment."

However, this definition is somewhat incomplete and we should mention the fact that homeostasis, even if generally used when referring to the human body, can also be applied to nature. In this case, it is referred to as ecological homeostasis. Second of all, we should reassert the fact that homeostasis is a condition and not a process, even if it is generally associated with the action.

In order to briefly explain the definition, we should remember the fact that, as any system, the human body has certain parameters between which it functions best. The moment any of these are surpassed, the body will naturally have a negative reaction and a self- regulating mechanism will start, in order to reach the appropriate parameters.

If we are discussing parameters, perhaps one of the best examples is the body temperature. As such, between 36 and 37 degrees, the body functions normally. As soon as the 37 degrees barrier is crossed, the body reacts accordingly, attempting to cool off the body (for example, at higher temperature, sweat is formed in order to eliminate the heat) and to return it to the best parameters.

The kidney performs several homeostatic functions. Worth mentioning are "maintaining volume of extracellular fluid," "maintaining pH" and "excreting toxic metabolic by- products, such as urea." If we look at these functions and relate them to the given definition of homeostasis, we will notice that the homeostatic functions have the role to equilibrate the levels of the parameters I have mentioned. Take for example the homeostatic function of maintaining pH. This is also referred to as the acid- base function and has the obvious role of keeping a certain proportion of acid and base within our bodies. If, for example, a too high concentration of acid is present in the body, this may be damaged (as is the case, for example, of a high concentration of acid in the stomach, which leads to ulcer).