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

4450 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Name three common components of blood; as well as how they are removed from the plasma


Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, how can doctors reduce the number of resistant bacteria? (2 marks)


What is the difference between myosis and mitosis?


What is homeostasis? Can you use a couple of examples to explain the difference between positive vs negative feedback?


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