8. Osmoregulation refers to the control of the concentration of various liquids within the body, to maintain homeostasis. This water enters the fish diffusion through the gills, through food consumption, and through drinking. Also, because the concentration of salt is higher outside than inside the fish, there is passive diffusion of salt into the fish and water out of the fish. 9. The control of blood sugar (glucose) by insulin. When blood sugar rises, receptors in the body sense a change. In turn, the control center (pancreas) secretes insulin into the blood effectively lowering blood sugar levels. 10. Blood clotting. Once a vessel is damaged, platelets start to cling to the injured site and release chemicals that attract more platelets. The platelets continue to pile up and release chemicals until a clot is formedSee answer
8 Osmoregulation refers to the control of the concentration of various liquids within the body to maintain homeostasis This water enters the fish diffusion through the gills through food consumption…
Question
9. The control of blood sugar (glucose) by insulin. When blood sugar rises, receptors in the body sense a change. In turn, the control center (pancreas) secretes insulin into the blood effectively lowering blood sugar levels.
10. Blood clotting. Once a vessel is damaged, platelets start to cling to the injured site and release chemicals that attract more platelets. The platelets continue to pile up and release chemicals until a clot is formed
Basic Answer
The provided text describes three examples of homeostasis: osmoregulation in fish, blood glucose control, and blood clotting. Let’s break down each example step-by-step to highlight the homeostatic mechanisms involved.
Example 8: Osmoregulation in Fish
Step 1: Water and Salt Imbalance
Fish in saltwater environments face a constant challenge: their bodies have a lower salt concentration than the surrounding water. This creates an osmotic gradient.
Step 2: Water Loss and Salt Gain
Due to osmosis, water passively diffuses out of the fish’s body through its gills and other permeable membranes. Simultaneously, salt passively diffuses into the fish’s body.
Step 3: Homeostatic Mechanisms
To counteract this water loss and salt gain, fish employ several mechanisms: they drink seawater to replace lost water, actively excrete excess salt through specialized cells in their gills, and produce small amounts of concentrated urine.
Step 4: Maintaining Homeostasis
Through these active and passive processes, the fish maintains a relatively stable internal environment despite the external osmotic pressure.
Example 9: Blood Glucose Control
Step 1: Stimulus: Elevated Blood Glucose
When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, specialized cells (receptors) detect this change.
Step 2: Control Center: Pancreas
The pancreas, acting as the control center, senses the elevated glucose levels.
Step 3: Effector: Insulin Release
The pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream.
Step 4: Response: Glucose Uptake
Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, lowering blood glucose levels.
Step 5: Negative Feedback
As blood glucose levels return to normal, insulin release decreases, preventing blood glucose from dropping too low.
Example 10: Blood Clotting
Step 1: Stimulus: Vessel Damage
A break in a blood vessel triggers the clotting process.
Step 2: Platelet Adhesion
Platelets adhere to the damaged area.
Step 3: Chemical Release
Adhered platelets release chemicals that attract more platelets.
Step 4: Clot Formation
A cascade of chemical reactions leads to the formation of a fibrin clot, sealing the vessel and preventing further blood loss.
Step 5: Negative Feedback
Once the vessel is sealed, the clotting process is inhibited to prevent excessive clotting.
Final Answer:
The three examples illustrate negative feedback mechanisms crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Osmoregulation in fish balances water and salt levels, blood glucose control regulates blood sugar, and blood clotting prevents excessive blood loss. Each process involves a stimulus, a control center, effectors, and a response that ultimately returns the system to its set point.