What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is defined as the maintenance of a constant internal environment in the body. 

An example of this would be the blood glucose level:

After a meal, a person's blood glucose level would be high. This stimulates the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas to secrete insulin, an enzyme that converts glucose to glycogen to be stored in the liver. This then reduces the blood glucose level back to the norm. 

On the other hand, when a person's blood glucose level is low, such as after exercising, the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans secrete glucagon, an enzyme that is responsible for converting glycogen to glucose and releasing it into the bloodstream, in order to increase the blood glucose level. 

This is an example of negative feedback (an important regulatory mechanism in the body). 

LS
Answered by Lauren S. Biology tutor

4430 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Where is DNA found in a human cell? What is a gene?


Describe the difference between the function of an effector and receptor, giving an example of each.


Why do we use aseptic techniques in laboratories?


What is the structure and role of a chloroplast?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences