Final answer:
The tendency of the body to maintain a stable, balanced internal environment is known as homeostasis. It regulates body temperature, fluid balance, and other variables, ensuring that cellular functions can proceed normally.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tendency of the body to maintain a stable, balanced internal environment is known as homeostasis. It is an essential process that enables all living things to keep their internal conditions relatively constant, despite changes in the external environment. Homeostasis involves regulating various factors, such as body temperature, fluid balance, and the concentrations of substances like glucose and mineral ions within the bloodstream. A classic example of homeostasis in action is the body's temperature regulation: if you step outside in cold weather, your body does not cool to the same temperature as the environment; instead, it maintains a stable internal temperature through mechanisms like shivering.
Furthermore, homeostasis extends to other aspects of the internal environment. The body adjusts its systems to control variables such as the pH of extracellular fluids and the level of blood glucose. After eating, for instance, the body works to lower elevated glucose levels, ensuring that nutrients are delivered to tissues or stored for later use. This continuous adaptation is critical for staying healthy and is monitored through complex feedback systems.
In summary, homeostasis is crucial for our survival, as it keeps our body’s vital conditions within a narrow and safe range, allowing our cells and organs to function optimally.