Homeostatic mechanism

Definition

A homeostatic mechanism is a regulatory process that helps maintain the stable internal conditions necessary for optimal functioning of an organism. It involves feedback loops that detect changes and initiate responses to restore balance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Homeostatic mechanisms often involve negative feedback loops to counteract deviations from set points.
2. Examples of homeostatic mechanisms include regulation of body temperature, blood glucose levels, and pH balance.
3. The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in mediating many homeostatic processes.
4. Disruption in homeostatic mechanisms can lead to diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
5. Pharmacological agents can influence homeostasis by either enhancing or inhibiting specific pathways.

Review Questions

• What role do negative feedback loops play in homeostatic mechanisms?
• Can you name three examples of physiological processes regulated by homeostatic mechanisms?
• How might pharmacological interventions alter homeostatic balance?

Related terms

Negative Feedback Loop: A process where the body senses a change and activates mechanisms to reverse it.

Autonomic Nervous System: Part of the nervous system responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions.

Set Point: The ideal value for a physiological parameter that the body attempts to maintain through homeostasis.