For this project, we had to test different types of homeostasis in the human body. My group and I decided to see how body temperature regulation maintains homeostasis. We used the scientific method during this project. This included making observations, doing research, forming a hypothesis, planning and doing the experiments, analyzing the data, and then forming a conclusion. After this was done, we shared our results with other students in the class. My group and I made a write up, as well as a poster.
content
homeostasis- The tendency to maintain internal stability in an organism in response to changes in its environment (negative feedback)
negative feedback loop- The stimulus causes an opposite output to maintain an ideal level of whatever is being regulated.
positive feedback loop- The stimulus causes increase in magnitude of the perturbation.
body temperature regulation- When the part of the brain called the hypothalamus senses that your body temperature is too far from normal (98 degrees Fahrenheit/37 degrees Celsius), it sends out signals to your muscles, organs, glands, and nervous system to return internal temperatures to normal. They respond in different ways depending on if the body is too cold or too hot.
vasoconstriction- The blood vessels under your skin become narrower, decreasing blood flow to the skin, keeping the heat close to the warm inner body.
thermogenesis- Your muscles, organs, and brain all produce heat in a variety of ways. For instance, your muscles shiver to create friction.
hormonal thermogenesis- Your thyroid gland releases hormones to increase your metabolism. This increases the energy your body creates and the amount of heat it produces.
sweating- Your sweat glands produce sweat, which carries heat with it as it evaporates, cooling your skin. This helps to lower your internal temperature.
vasodilatation- The blood vessels under your skin get wider, increasing blood flow to the skin where it is cooler. This allows the heat to escape through heat radiation.