Homeostasis is an important requirement for the normal functioning of the body and, ultimately, the organism. Review the content from the unit regarding homeostasis and discuss the following:

Homeostasis is an important requirement for the normal functioning of the body and, ultimately, the organism. Review the content from the unit regarding homeostasis and discuss the following:

1) In your own words, describe homeostasis.

2) Discuss the importance of homeostasis.

3) Give an example of a physiological process in the body regulated or controlled by a homeostatic mechanism. Describe this physiological process.

Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.

 

Expert Answer

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Step: 1

Homeostasis
Importance of homeostasis
Physiological example of homeostasis in our body- Calcium homeostasis under the action of calcitonin and parathyroid hormone .

Explanation:

Homeostasis is a term used when the body tries to balance the physiological system for its appropriate function.
One physiological example is calcium homeostasis when the body tries to regulate calcium level in serum and how does it do that
When calcium is low in blood serum, parathyroid hormone is released that stimulates kidney to increase calcium absorption from renal tubule thus reducing the calcium excretion in the urine , on the gut it stimulates absorption and on osteoclasts, it stimulates to release calcium from the bones into blood serum .
The events are opposite when the calcium level in blood is high , i.e hypercalcemia .
Hypercalcemia leads to secretion of calcitonin that stimulates kidney to secrete calcium , and stimulate osteoblasts for bone mineralisation.
There are various side effects of both hypocalcemia as well as hypercalcemia.
Hypocalcemia can cause cramps , spasm , anxiety etc.
Hypercalcemia can cause confusion , lethargy , dehydration , depression etc.

Answer:

Homeostasis is a term used when the body tries to balance the physiological system for its appropriate function.
One physiological example is calcium homeostasis when the body tries to regulate calcium level in serum and how does it do that
When calcium is low in blood serum, parathyroid hormone is released that stimulates kidney to increase calcium absorption from renal tubule thus reducing the calcium excretion in the urine , on the gut it stimulates absorption and on osteoclasts, it stimulates to release calcium from the bones into blood serum .
The events are opposite when the calcium level in blood is high , i.e. hypercalcemia .
Hypercalcemia leads to secretion of calcitonin that stimulates kidney to secrete calcium , and stimulate osteoblasts for bone mineralisation.
There are various side effects of both hypocalcemia as well as hypercalcemia.
Hypocalcemia can cause cramps , spasm , anxiety etc.
Hypercalcemia can cause confusion , lethargy , dehydration , depression etc.