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Homeostasis |
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| Definition:
The maintenance of a constant bodily environment within narrow
limits. |
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| Maintaining homeostasis is a dynamic, active
process. Although we are not capable of maintaining homeostasis
100% of the time, the body makes an effort to. |
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| There are several factors that must be kept in
homeostasis. You will notice that they are similar to the commonly
acknowledged requirements for life. |
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Body Temperature:
If body temperature becomes too low or too high, the body takes
corrective action to bring body temperature back towards the set
point. Corrective activity includes shivering and sweating. |
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| pH |
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Water Balance / fluid balance
Water is critical for blood transport, and we are approximately 60%
water. |
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Ionic
Equilibrium
For a cell to maintain its excitability (a characteristic of life), an
appropriate arrangement of ions must be maintained. That means the
appropriate amount of positive charges and negative charges must exist
in the correct places. Loss of ionic balance will result in a loss
of excitability. Loss of excitability will result in impairment of
several functions of the organism. |
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Blood Pressure
It is important to maintain appropriate blood pressure because blood
flows from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. If
blood pressure is altered, blood flow may be impaired. |
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| Body Weight |
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