an example of homeostasis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_homeostasis
An example of homeostasis is the regulation of body temperature in humans. The body constantly works to maintain a relatively stable internal temperature of around 98.6°F (37°C), regardless of external temperature changes. This is achieved through a process of negative feedback loops. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how it works:
1. Stimulus: Let's say you are exposed to a cold environment, causing a drop in body temperature.
2. Detection: Specialized nerve cells called thermoreceptors detect the change in temperature and send signals to the brain.
3. Control Center: The brain, specifically the hypothalamus, acts as the control center and receives the signals from the thermoreceptors.
4. Response: The control center initiates a response to restore the body's temperature to its normal range.
5. Effectors: In this case, effectors are the blood vessels and muscle contractions.
6. Blood vessels: When you're cold, the blood vessels in your skin constrict (narrow) to minimize heat loss through the skin. This helps to keep warm blood circulating to vital organs.
7. Muscle contractions: Shivering occurs when the skeletal muscles rapidly contract and relax, generating heat in the process. This helps to increase the body temperature.
8. Feedback: As the body temperature rises back to its normal range, the thermoreceptors detect this change and send signals to the brain, indicating that homeostasis has been achieved.
Throughout this process, the body maintains a delicate balance between thermoregulatory mechanisms to prevent overheating or hypothermia. This example demonstrates how homeostasis serves to keep our body's internal environment stable, allowing us to function optimally.