Homeostasis Research Paper

The phenomenon of homeostasis is understood as the ability the body has to stabilise its internal environment despite the ever changing external conditions (Waterhouse, 2007). This internal environment is an atmosphere which surrounds the cells and is therefore the medium in which the cells are in direct contact with in the body (Sherwood, 2001). The internal environment is essential for cell survival because cells require a constant supply of oxygen and food which is exchanged from the external to the internal environment and then to the cell. Cells also require the removal of toxic wastes like carbon dioxide which is released in the internal and then the external environment (Sherwood, 2001). In addition these enzyme-mediated processes work
This deviation is sensed by a receptor which sends a signal to the control centre that contains the set value points required for normal function. Effectors then take effect to control the deviation (Waterhouse 2004). See illustration below:
[pic]

The series of events occurring in a negative feedback loop system aim to return low or high set point deviations to normal perimeters through a series of events (Jones, 2001). In a few instances however the deviation is increased from the ideal value resulting in a positive feedback. This according to Jones (2001) does not play any part in keeping things constant, therefore positive feedback cannot be used as a homeostatic mechanism.

Homeostasis is used as a survival tool because it enables animals to adapt to the ever changing environment (Tortora 1999). Without this ability death may occur, unless medical treatment is executed to bring about the natural occurrence of a feedback system (Clancy 2002). Disease will also result when there is a failure in the homeostatic control system because according to Clancy (2002) homeostasis provides a basis for
Conditions such as diabetes mellitus will rise in cases where there is a continuous rise in the amount of blood glucose levels. Diabetes can be insulin dependant diabetes mellitus (type 1) meaning that the patient has got no insulin production or type 2 which is non insulin dependant. Type 1 diabetes occurs in at an early age. Patients with this condition have poor or no insulin production therefore blood glucose levels are high. The lack of insulin production is usually caused by antibodies produced by the immune system. These antibodies begin to attack the beta cells in the pancreas resulting in the disorder. Type 2 diabetes on the other had affects adults over 40. These patients can produce insulin but develop diabetes because they are unable to produce enough insulin needed by the body or the cells in the body do not use the insulin properly. With type 2 diabetes the cells in the body become resistant to normal levels of insulin in the and therefore need more insulin than normal to keep the blood glucose