Homoeostasis

Homoeostasis

Homoeostasis (pronounced: /ˌhoʊmiːoʊˈsteɪsɪs/), also spelled homeostasis, is a fundamental concept in the field of biology and physiology. The term originates from the Greek words 'homoios' meaning 'similar', and 'stasis' meaning 'standing still'.

Homoeostasis refers to the ability of an organism or system to maintain internal stability and balance, compensating for environmental changes. It is a self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.

Mechanism of Homoeostasis

The mechanism of homoeostasis involves a series of feedback mechanisms. These mechanisms can be either positive or negative. Negative feedback mechanisms work to reverse the direction of a change and are often used to maintain steady states such as body temperature or blood glucose levels. On the other hand, positive feedback mechanisms amplify the changes and move the system away from its initial state.

Role in Health and Disease

Homoeostasis plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of an organism. Disruptions in homoeostasis can lead to the onset of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders. These diseases are often the result of the body's inability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Related Terms

• Feedback mechanism
• Negative feedback
• Positive feedback
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Thyroid disorders

See Also

• Physiology
• Biology

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Homoeostasis
• Wikipedia's article - Homoeostasis

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