Regulation and Control Homeostasis.

... Regulation and Control Homeostasis: Homeostasis is defined as the maintenance of a constant internal environment. This is very important for organisms because: * Chemical reactions can take place at predictable rates. * Mechanisms are more efficient as optimum conditions can be maintained for enzymes, etc. * Organisms can acquire a degree of independence from the environment. They need not be limited to one geological location where the conditions fit their needs, but can spread out. Their activity is also not restricted to a certain time, season, etc. Principles of Homeostasis: All homeostasis mechanisms follow approximately the same steps. Input Receptor Effector Negative Feedback Receptor: Signals the deviation of a quantity from the normal, set level. Effector: Brings about the necessary change needed to return the system to the reference point. Negative Feedback: This monitors and controls the extent of the correction. In other words, this makes sure that, as levels return to normal, the corrective mechanisms are scaled down (so that a shortage

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