Homeostasis is a point of balance or internal equilibrium. All kinds of systems — both living and non-living — can work to keep themselves in this state of balance, but the word "homeostasis" is most often used in biology, particularly to describe how the human body reacts to changes and keeps itself within certain parameters to ensure that it can function correctly. These reactions include a range of responses, from the release of hormones to regulate internal imbalances to sweating to lower body temperature.
Maintaining Balance
One simple analogy for homeostasis is that it is like a set of scales. If coins are poured into one side of a scale, that side will fall; if an equal amount of weight is added onto the other side, the scale balances. When too many weights are added to one side, however, the scale becomes unbalanced again. The body behaves in a similar way, working constantly to achieve a state of balance. Unlike scales, the body is extremely complex, requiring numerous tiny adjustments every second as new input is constantly putting the body off-balance.
A large number of systems work together to keep the body in balance, with the nervous and endocrine systems taking the lead. If the body becomes too hot, for example, part of the brain registers this and will activate the sweat glands to help lower the temperature; when it's too cold, the muscles are activated, shivering to help generate heat. If blood pressure falls, a neurotransmitter called norepinephine is released, which causes the blood vessels to constrict and increases the heart rate. This, in turn, causes blood pressure to rise. Other conditions in the body, like blood sugar levels and pH balance, are also monitored and adjusted when they fall outside of the ideal range.
Homeostasis should not be thought of as one perfect state that every body aspires to, however. The relationships among all these variables change based on age, activity level, and the environment. For example, humans need a certain amount of regular sleep for the body to operate properly, but younger people tend to need more sleep than older individuals.
Feedback
When one of the body's systems falls out of balance in some way, a process known as negative feedback signals the problem or state of change. The body responds by regulating the necessary systems with the aim of returning to homeostasis rather than going too far in the wrong direction. In positive feedback, the body encourages the rapid increase of an activity to deal with an emerging situation; for example, the body may increase white blood cell production to attack an infection.
People are generally healthier when their bodies are in homeostasis, and their bodies send numerous messages to promote this state. For example, when low blood sugar appears to be developing, people tend to feel hungry because their brains tell them to eat in order to raise blood sugar levels to where they should be. Specific cravings can emerge in response to nutritional deficiencies, with the brain essentially creating a shopping list that helps the body reach a state of balance. People may also feel driven to drink water, exercise, or engage in other activities to promote this internal balance.
Threats to Balance
Problems with any of the body's homeostatic processes, like blood pressure or blood sugar levels, can indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition. Infections, dehydration, and diseases like diabetes are just a few examples of conditions that cause an imbalance that the body alone might not be able to fix. Homeostasis can also be disrupted by introducing toxins into the bloodstream, including those meant to have a medical benefit, such as chemotherapy.
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a The Health Board researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.