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Homeostasis |
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Definition: The maintenance of a constant bodily
environment within narrow limits via dynamic equilibrium. |
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| Maintaining
homeostasis is a dynamic, active process. Although we are not capable of
maintaining homeostasis 100% of the time, the body makes an effort to.
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| There are several
factors that must be kept in homeostasis. You will notice that they are
similar to the commonly acknowledged requirements for life. |
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Body Temperature:
If body temperature becomes too low or too high, the body takes corrective
action to bring body temperature back towards the set point. Corrective
activity includes shivering and sweating. |
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| pH
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Water Balance /
fluid balance
Water is critical for blood transport, and we are approximately 60%
water. |
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Ionic Equilibrium
For a cell to maintain its excitability (a characteristic of life), an
appropriate arrangement of ions must be maintained. That means the
appropriate amount of positive charges and negative charges must exist in
the correct places. Loss of ionic balance will result in a loss of
excitability. Loss of excitability will result in impairment of several
functions of the organism. |
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Blood Pressure
It is important to maintain appropriate blood pressure because blood flows
from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. If blood pressure
is altered, blood flow may be impaired. |
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| Body Weight |
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