homeostasis
Definition
Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain a stable, constant condition, despite changes in the external environment. It involves various physiological processes that balance inputs and outputs of substances and energy.
Analogy
Think of homeostasis like a smart thermostat for your house. Just as a thermostat adjusts the heating or cooling to keep your home's temperature within a set range, regardless of whether it's freezing or sweltering outside, homeostasis adjusts bodily functions to keep internal conditions stable no matter what external conditions you face.
Related terms
Negative Feedback Loop: A process that counteracts changes in the body’s systems to maintain homeostasis.
Thermoregulation: The ability of an organism to keep its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when surrounding temperatures are different.
Endocrine System: A collection of glands that produce hormones which regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, and mood among other things
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