Homeostasis

Regulation of Body Functions

Objectives:
To define homeostasis.
To know the different regulatory systems.
To understand the principle feedback
mechanisms.
To understand the importance of the
different feedback mechanisms involved in
regulation of the body functions
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Homeostasis
The underlying principle of physiology is
homeostasis
Homeo : same stasis : standing still
Homeostasis is the ability to maintain a relatively
stable internal environment in an ever-changing
outside world
The internal environment of the body is in a
dynamic state of equilibrium
(Dynamic Constancy)
Chemical, thermal, and neural factors
interact to maintain homeostasis
Loss of homeostasis results
in disease or death

Homeostasis
The relatively stable internal
environment needed to
I. Maintain life.
II.

Provides an optimal internal

environment for cell function

Prof.M.Barbary

Importance of Homeostasis
Metabolic reactions are controlled by
enzymes
Enzymes work best in a narrow range of
temperature & pH only
Important to keep internal environment as
steady as possible
Maintain body systems within ranges
necessary to maintain the homeostatic state.
Alterations in the homeostatic state or levels
indicate the presence of disease or
dysfunction.
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Homeostatically Regulated Variables:-as

Body Temperature
Blood Composition (ions, sugars, proteins)

Concentrations of O2 and CO2 in the blood

Acid-Base balance (pH)
Blood osmolarity
Blood pressure, cardiac output, Heart rate
Respiratory rate and depth
Secretions of endocrine glands
1-6

Homeostatic Control Mechanisms

E.g. Increase in blood sugar levels or body temperature
The three interdependent components of control mechanisms

are:
Receptor monitors the environments and responds to
changes (stimuli)
Control center determines the set point at which the
variable is maintained

Effector structures that provide the means to respond to

the stimulus and restore the variables to the optimal
physiological range.

1-7

Homeostatic Control Mechanisms

3 Input:
Information
sent along
afferent
pathway to

Control
center

4 Output:
Information sent
along efferent
pathway to

Effector

Receptor (sensor)

2 Change
detected
by receptor

Stimulus:
Produces
change
in variable

Variable (in homeostasis)

5 Response of
effector feeds
back to influence
magnitude of
stimulus and
returns
variable to
homeostasis

 Values of variables fluctuate around the set point to

establish a normal range of values.
Set point :The ideal normal value of a
variable.
What is the set point for body temperature? For blood
sugar levels? For blood pH? For blood osmolarity?

Change in setpoint
The set point for some variables may be
reset -that is, physiologically raised or
lowered (e.G., Bp)
Changes in set point developed by
Acclimatization : occurs by slowly altering
that 'set point to cope with long-term changes
to its environment. Eg (raised Bp)
Biorhythms: circadian rhythm, sleep-awake,
menopause cycle

Control System Action

Prof.M.Barbary

11

REGULATION FACTOR
R=

CHANGE WITH REGULATION

CHANGE WITHOUT REGULATION

GAIN
CORRECTION APPLIED
G=
RESIDUAL CHANGE

Correction
Gain
Error

Increase the Gain ----- more effective control system

Prof.M.Barbary

12

VARIABLE

SET POINT

DISTURBANCE

CHANGE
WITHOUT
REGULATION

CHANGE
WITH
REGULATION

BP

120 mmHg

BLOOD LOSS

(-60) 60 mmHg (-20)100 mmHg

BODY
TEMP

37OC

COLD EXPOSURE

(-17) 20OC

(-0.5) 36.5OC

FIND OUT THE REGULATION FACTOR, AND GAIN FOR BOTH

CONTROL SYSTEM
WHICH SYSTEM IS MORE EFFICIENT?
Prof.M.Barbary

13

CORRECTION
BY THE
CONTROL SYSTEM

REGULATION
FACTOR

GAIN

40 mmHg

-20/-60=1/3

40/20=2

16.5 OC

-0.5/-17=1/34 16.5/0.5=
33

Prof.M.Barbary

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Negative feedback mechanism

The control center activates the effector system generating a
response which cancels the effect of the stimulus
(change) and reestablishes the homeostatic condition.

Gravitational effects in cardiovascular system

Immediately on standing, the arterial pressure in the head
and upper part of the body tends to fall, caused by
pooling of blood in leg veins reducing venous return and
marked reduction of this pressure could cause loss of
consciousness
Homeostatic mechanism on controlling this effect
Stimulation of baroreceptors stimulate vasomotor center to
elicit an immediate reflex resulting in:
1. Heart Rate increase
2. Venoconstriction
3. Arteriolar constriction
4. Increase level of renin & aldosterone
This minimizes the decrease in pressure in the head and
upper body.

2. Positive Feedback
In contrast to negative feedback, positive
feedback is relatively uncommon in the
human body.
The control center activates effectors which
generate a response which increases the
stimulus further reinforcing a the initial
change ( vicious cycle)
Positive feedback does not lead to stability

POSITIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISM

Prof.M.Barbary

20

Examples of positive feedback

The upstroke of the action potential in nerve
and muscle.
The action of the hormone oxytoxin on the
uterus during birth.
Surges of hormones can occure with of
positive feedback.
Lactation
Blood clotting

EXAMPLE OF POSITIVE FEEDBACK

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Osmoregulation (Water & Mineral salts)

Regulate water potential in Tissue Fluid,Organ involved: KIDNEYS

Pituitary gland

Pituitary gland

Osmoregulation (Water & Mineral salts)

After having a very salty meal
produce

concentrated urine to remove

excess salts in solution form

extra

water is needed to be excreted

along with the excess salts

sensation

of thirst (drink more water to

compensate for the water loss)

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Maintenance of Body Temperature

Control Body Temperature in hot and Cold

Conditions

Regulation of Blood Glucose Level

Controlled by negative feedback

mechanism

Controlled by insulin secreted from

the islets of langerhans in pancreas

Diabetes - malfunction of pancreas

(does not secrete enough insulin)

Feedback Loop
A rise in blood glucose causes release of insulin
from beta cells the pancreas, promoting glucose

uptake in cells and storage as glycogen in the

liver.

A fall in blood glucose stimulates alpha cells in

the pancreas to secrete glucagon, which causes
the liver to break down glycogen and release
glucose.

Summary

Homeostasis
Homeostatic control system-Gain
Negative feedback-examples
Positive feedback-examples
Body temperature regulation
Blood pressure regulation
Body fluid regulation
Blood glucose regulation