Investigating
Homeostasis
Nutrition Standard 1: Plan and conduct an investigation to
provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain
homeostasis.
What is Homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the maintenance and regulation of the internal environment within the body.
The body is not maintaining a constant environment but rather a narrow range of conditions
The body is organized so that it has many controls in place to maintain a healthy environment
Homeostasis SongFrom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iPndNB7mjw
Levels of organization
1. Cells – Each type is specialized to perform specific functions.
2. Tissues – Groups of similar cells that work together.
3. Organs – Groups of different tissues working together.
4. Organ Systems – Different organs working together.
5. Organism – Organ systems working together to maintain life.
Feedback Mechanisms
Negative Feedback Loop
Negative feedback mechanisms counteract or reverse changes within the body if conditions move above or below the narrow range of conditions
Very Common in the body
Positive feedback Loop
Positive feedback loops increase the rate of change away from the normal range
Not very common in the body
Negative feedback: Body Temperature
Positive Feedback: Oxytocin Production during labor
What happens when you exercise?
Heart Rate?Temperature?Breathing?Anything else?
Disruptions in Homeostasis
What happens when you get a virus?
These are short term effects that
generally have no lasting impact
Long Term Effects
Long term disruption of homeostasis can cause lasting damage.
Example: Diabetes
If the body fails to regulate blood glucose levels properly it can affect the entire body Kidneys excrete excess glucose and water Fat used as energy causes increased blood acidity Normal cellular function is compromised
throughout the body
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