Final answer:
The regulation of homeostasis in the body depends on the interaction of receptors, integrating centers, and effectors. Receptors sense environmental changes and communicate with the brain, which then signals effectors to initiate a response. This system is maintained through feedback loops and is governed by the autonomic nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The interaction of receptors, integrating centers, and effectors is crucial for the control of homeostasis in an animal's body. When there is a change in the environment, a receptor detects the change and sends a signal to the control center, usually the brain. The control center then processes this information and sends a signal to an effector, which carries out the necessary response to correct the change. The effector can be either a muscle that contracts or relaxes, or a gland that secretes hormones. The maintenance of homeostasis involves negative feedback loops and is regulated by the nervous and endocrine systems.
Autonomic control plays a vital role in this process, with the autonomic nervous system's sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions balancing the tone of various organs based on their input. This coordination begins with higher brain structures like the hypothalamus and extends into the brainstem and spinal cord. Additionally, the nervous system integrates sensory input with memories, learning, and emotion to produce an appropriate motor response.