Pathophysiology Of Homeostasis

Section 1:
Simply put, homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment in the body. (Givens and Reiss, 2002). To look into this definition further, according to Walter Cannon, homeostasis can be described as the way the brain coordinates body systems, with the aim of maintaining a set of goal values for key internal variables (Goldstein, 2008). Homeostasis aims to maintain a constant internal environment helping to keep internal conditions at an optimum in order for all cells in the body to survive and function efficiently. Without this regulation, our bodies can suffer deviations from health causing illness and disease. Therefore, homeostasis is an important aspect of our health as it regulates the levels of oxygen, carbon
This requires a receptor, a control centre, and an effector. A receptor is the structure that monitors internal conditions. Receptors sense changes in function and begin the body's homeostatic response. These receptors are connected to a control centre that studies all the information sent to it by the receptors. In most homeostatic mechanisms, the control centre is the brain. When the brain receives information about a change in the body's internal conditions, it sends out signals along nerves. These signals prompt the changes in function that adjust the deviation and bring the internal environment back to the stable state. Next in the negative feedback loop is the effectors which are muscles, organs, or other structures that receive signals from the brain or control centre. When an effector receives a signal from the brain, it changes its function in order to correct the deviation (Science.jrank.org, 2008).
To highlight, the nervous system uses sensory receptors, nerves, and the brain to monitor our cells, while the endocrine system uses the blood circulatory system to control our cells. Our nervous system operates at light speed, while the endocrine system generally works more slowly to create changes in your biochemistry (Kim, 2014). Both systems have the same aim which is ensuring a dynamic equilibrium so our bodies can work
These glands secrete many different hormones that regulate bodily functions, such as growth and metabolism. The endocrine system plays a significant role in homeostasis by releasing the appropriate hormones when needed to help sustain the essential internal balance. For example on a hot day water escapes our bodies rapidly and severe water loss can lead to dehydration, without the endocrine system this dehydration could cause a dramatic impact on health or even lead to death (Chiras, 2011) – hence the endocrine system is so important for the maintenance of