Question

Choose one homeostatic imbalance from Chapter 10 (the muscular system) and thoroughly discuss how it effects either skeletal muscle contraction or relaxation.

Answer 1

Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment (regulating hormones, body temp., water balance, etc.). Maintaining homeostasis requires that the body continuously monitors its internal conditions.

Example when the body is exposed to cold ,cold receptors are activated and the nerve signals are perceived by Free nerve endings and these signals cause activation of the brain’s heat-gain center in Hypothalamus then the body reacts by reducing the blood flow to the skin, and blood returning from the limbs is diverted into a network of deep veins. This arrangement traps heat closer to the body core and restricts heat loss.

This is achieved by constriction of vessels .Blood vessels have smooth muscle cells and contraction of smooth muscle cells result in vasoconstriction and heat trapping occur and the body will not lose the heat and regain homeostasis.

If heat loss is severe, the brain triggers an increase in random signals to skeletal muscles, causing them to contract and producing shivering. The muscle contractions of shivering release heat while using up ATP.Contraction of skeletal muscles is by excitation contraction coupling in which nerve signals from brain will lead to contraction of Muscles and generate heat production thereby increasing body temperature and maintain homeostasis .