Can someone explain to me homeostasis? I looked it up but I couldn't figure it out.
Homeostasis is a balance-maintaining tendency in the body. Whenever conditions stray too far from optimal levels, these homeostatic mechanisms are activated. Once near-optimal conditions are restored, the mechanisms are deactivated.
For example, when you run, you use up more oxygen and do not get rid of carbon dioxide (CO2) in your blood as fast as normal. The higher carbon dioxide levels in the blood trigger a part of the brain (hypothalamus) to activate your breathing. You breath faster. Once the CO2 levels are reduced enough, your breathing rate returns to normal.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.