Question

Provide an example (1 real life scenario) that demonstrates how all the systems above interact to maintain homeostasis. (Systems to be included: nervous, senses, blood, cardio, respiratory, renal and digestive)

Answer 1

I am discussing the example of hypoxia

Hypoxia is a condition in which our body cells are not getting enough oxygen. Following adaptations are seen in different systems of our body to counteract this hypoxia-

1. The cardiovascular system is activated during hypoxia. It causes vasodilation of blood vessels. Due to vasodilation, more oxygen now reach the tissues.

2 . Kidney produce hormone known as Erythropoietin. Erythropoietin stimulate more production of RBC . As RBC increase, oxygen concentration in blood increases.

3. In lungs, vasoconstriction occur. Because of vasoconstriction, the rate of flow of oxygenated blood will increase and tissues will be more perfused with oxygenated blood.

4. The nervous system sense hypoxia by various chemo and baroreceptors present. The hypothalamus and pituitary releases various stimulating hormone. One such example is release of ACTH from anterior pituitary. ACTH stimulate release of flight and flight hormone(catecholamines) from adrenal gland. These hormones increase blood flow and increase respiratory rate to overcome hypoxia.

Thus multiple system integrate in this way to overcome hypoxia.