BIOS 251 Week 1 Case Study: Homeostasis

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Chamberlain University

BIOS-251 Anatomy & Physiology I

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Case Study: Homeostasis

Difference Between Anatomy and Physiology

According to the book Anatomy and Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, there is a significant distinction between anatomy and physiology. Anatomy is defined as the study of various organisms to examine their similarities and differences, which also involves scrutinizing evolutionary trends. It can be further described as the study of body structures, focusing on the location, number, orientation, and composition of specific body parts (Saladin, 2019, p. 3). In contrast, physiology is the study of the functions of these structures. It provides meaning to anatomy by exploring how body parts interact, analyzing their functions, and integrating various fields of study (Saladin, 2019, p. 4).

Attributes of Life

An article by NASA’s Astrobiology division defines the characteristics of life by comparing all living organisms and their interconnections. Some of these characteristics include having a structured order, the ability to replicate either sexually or asexually, and the capacity for growth and development. Living organisms absorb and utilize energy to perform cellular functions that contribute to growth. Additionally, all living organisms must maintain homeostasis to ensure a stable internal environment. They respond to environmental stimuli by adapting to changes and evolve in response to external pressures (NASA Astrobiology).

Understanding Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a constant and stable internal environment, which is essential for the efficient functioning of body structures and the sustenance of life. It is crucial for all organ systems to adapt and keep internal variables, such as temperature, blood pressure, and body weight, stable (Saladin, 2019, p. 15). Homeostasis allows the body to self-regulate and return to a state of equilibrium, enabling recovery from illness without the need for medical intervention. The body detects changes, activates mechanisms to counteract them, and maintains stable internal conditions, functioning like a personal physician. Without homeostasis, the body would struggle to heal, leading to persistent illness and distress.

Negative Feedback Regulation

Negative feedback regulation is a fundamental process that helps maintain a variable close to its set point or average value. When the body senses a change in its environment, it initiates mechanisms to nullify or reverse that change. This regulation is vital for sustaining health (Saladin, 2019, p. 15). An example of negative feedback is the regulation of blood sugar levels. After eating, the body absorbs glucose, which increases its concentration in the blood and stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin prompts muscle and liver cells to uptake glucose, which decreases blood glucose levels and halts further insulin production. This feedback loop ensures that glucose levels remain within a specific range (Editors et al., 2017).

Positive Feedback Regulation

Positive feedback regulation is a self-amplifying cycle where physiological changes lead to greater deviations in the same direction, rather than generating corrective effects like negative feedback. This system can produce rapid changes as necessary (Saladin, 2019, p. 18). An example provided in the text involves a woman in labor. As the baby’s head pushes against the cervix, it stimulates nerve endings that send signals to the brain, prompting the pituitary gland to release oxytocin. This hormone travels through the bloodstream to the uterus, causing contractions that push the fetus downward, further stimulating the cervix and perpetuating the positive feedback loop until delivery occurs (Saladin, 2019, p. 18).

References

Editors, B. B. D., & Editors, B. D. (2017, July 30). Negative feedback – definition and examples. Biology Dictionary. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from https://biologydictionary.net/negative-feedback/

NASA. (n.d.). NASA astrobiology. NASA. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/education/alp/characteristics-of-life/

BIOS 251 Week 1 Case Study: Homeostasis

Saladin, K. (2019). Anatomy and Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill.