2.1.5 - Homeostasis

Understanding Homeostasis: The Body’s Balance System Homeostasis is the process that keeps our body’s internal environment stable, even when things around us change. It is essential for survival because it ensures that things like temperature, blood sugar, and water levels remain within a healthy range. Homeostasis works through feedback mechanisms—systems that detect changes and trigger responses to restore balance. There are two main types: positive feedback (which amplifies changes) and negative feedback (which brings things back to normal). For example, when blood sugar rises after eating, the body releases insulin to help lower it (negative feedback). In diabetes, this system doesn’t work properly, showing how important homeostasis is for health. Reflection: Why is homeostasis important for the body? (10 points) 1. Fill in the blank with the correct words. (20 points)Word bank: stable, negative, blood sugar, enhanced, positive, cellular Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain stableinternal conditions. Homeostasis is achieved through both body-wide feedback mechanisms and small-scale cellularprocesses. The body uses negativefeedback to return blood sugar levels to normal after eating. In positive feedback, a process is enhancedor amplified. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood sugarlevels. Sweating to cool down when hot is an example of negativefeedback. 2. Which of the following is an example of negative feedback? (10 points) Blood clotting Shivering when cold Childbirth contractions Milk production during breastfeeding 3. What happens when blood sugar levels rise in a healthy person? (10 points) The body stops producing insulin The pancreas releases insulin The brain signals the heart to beat faster The thyroid releases calcitonin 4. Which feedback mechanism amplifies a change rather than reversing it? (10 points) Negative feedback Positive feedback Neutral feedback Thermal feedback 5. What is the main role of insulin in the body? (10 points) To digest fats To control blood pressure To help cells absorb glucose To produce hormones 6. Which of the following is NOT an example of positive feedback? (10 points) Blood coagulation Lactation Thermoregulation Nerve signal transmission 6. What role does insulin play in blood sugar regulation? (10 points) It raises blood sugar levels. It promotes the uptake of glucose into cells. It inhibits glucose production. It has no role in blood sugar regulation. Match the following processes with their corresponding feedback types:(20 points) Negative Feedback Shivering when cold Dilation of blood vessels when blood pressure is high Blood sugar regulation Calcium regulation Inhibits a process, returning the system to a stable state A person sweating after exercising to cool down The release of insulin after eating a meal Positive Feedback Increased milk production during lactation Increased heart rate during exercise Childbirth Blood clotting Enhances a process to reach a specific outcome A cascade of platelets arriving at a wound site 8. Which of the following statements are true regarding negative feedback mechanisms? (Select ALL correct responses) (10 points) They amplify a stimulus. They help maintain homeostasis. They bring a system back to its normal state. They are involved in childbirth. Don't forget to submit your work. Any score over 100 points will count as extra credit.