Question

DB2 Define Homeostasis and how the systems, structures, & fluid of the Circulatory System assist in maintaining Homeostasis & How the Lymphatic & Immune and Respiratory systems maintain homeostasis.

Answer 1

Homeostasis can be defined as the self-regulating process to maintain a steady chemical, physical and internal conditons by the living organisms. Homeostasis is a state of dynamic equilibrium in which continuous change occurs to maintain a unifrom internal environment.

The different parts of the circulatory system helps in maintaining the homeostasis. The heart rate is controlled by the parasympathetic and sympathetic pathways. When more oxygen is needed by the cells, then the heart rate is increased by stopping the parasympathetic stimulation. In this case, the sympathetic pathway stimulates the heart to increase the heart rate. This supplies oxygen to the cells at a faster rate and the waste products are removed faster.

The blood vessels helps in maintianing the temperature by constricting and dilating when the body temperature drops and increases, respectively. The constriction of the vessels retains the heat while the dilates removes the excess heat, and thus, maintaining the ideal body temperature.

The different components present in the blood helps in maintaining the pH of the different body tissues. The lymphatic system maintains the fluid balance of the body tissues by collecting the excess fluid present in the different tissues.

The different lymphocytes of the immune ystem (B and T cells) fights the infection causing pathogens that enter the body, and maintain the ideal body conditions required for proper functioning.