Biology 2601A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Phospholipid, Vasodilation, Viscosity

• School: Western University
• Department: Biology
• Course: Biology 2601A/B
• Professor: Brown Jason

Document Summary

Homeostasis can be defined in a variety of ways. In terms of animals, homeostasis is the internal constancy and the physiological regulatory systems that automatically make adjustments to maintain it. In terms of plants, homeostasis is the condition of a relatively stable internal physiological environment, usually involving extensive feedback mechanisms. Homeostasis works by having bodily sensors constantly monitoring body temperature with reference to a set point (the standard for body temperature), working almost exclusively as a household thermostat. When body temperature deviates from the set point, the sensors signal physiological processes to commence and regulate body temperature. When the preferred body temperature is reached, sensors stop sending signals and the negative feedback loop comes to a halt. Homeostasis of body temperature is an excellent example of a negative feedback loop where the process works to return the value to the set point.