P5- Explain the concept of homeostasis
In this assignment, I will be explaining the concepts of homeostasis, and how homeostatic mechanisms operate in the maintenance of an internal environment. These consist of; heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature and lastly blood glucose level.
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the mechanism in our bodies which regulates and maintains a stable and constant environment. Our bodies are always making adjustments to regulate normal body function; luckily these adjustments are done automatically, otherwise we would be very busy people, regulating our internal environment repeatedly. Homeostasis is controlled by the nervous system and the endocrine system. Homeostasis is described as a ‘negative feedback system’. This just basically means that the system is able to take remedial action to preserve a constant environment. Homeostasis is in charge of maintaining the constant level of many body functions, such as heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature and blood sugar levels. (Rasheed, Hetherington and Irvine, 2010).
Heart rate
Roles of internal receptors, autonomic nervous system-sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve supply, cardiac centre and sinoatrial node
A receptor is the structure that monitors internal conditions. Receptors intellect changes in function and begins the body's homeostatic response. The receptors transmit a message to the brain, which in turn sends a message to the effectors, the heart and blood vessels. The heart rate decreases and blood vessels increase in diameter, which cause the blood pressure to fall back within the normal range or set point. (Scince.jrank.org, 2015).
Automatic Nervous System
In contrast, your heart beats and your intestines digest without your conscious control. Spontaneous actions such as these are regulated by your autonomic nervous system. The autonomic part of your