8. Homeostasis in Humans

1. Core Content

Introduction

Homeostasis as the process of maintaining a constant, internal environment within narrow limits, despite changes that take place internally and externally

The conditions within cells depend on the conditions within the internal environment (the tissue fluid)

Factors such as carbon dioxide, glucose, salt and water concentration, temperature and pH must be kept constant in the internal environment (tissue fluid)

Homeostasis through negative feedback

Negative feedback mechanism controlling the concentration of:

• Glucose

• Carbon dioxide

• Water

• Salts

Thermoregulation

Structure of the skin, using a diagram, with an emphasis on the parts involved in thermoregulation

Role of the following in negative feedback mechanism for controlling temperature/thermoregulation:

• Sweating

• Vasodilation

• Vasoconstriction