Final answer:
Homeostasis is the biological process that maintains body functions within a narrow, stable range through mechanisms called homeostats, which utilize negative feedback loops.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mechanism that maintains body functions within a narrow range is called homeostasis. This biological concept is critical for the survival of all living organisms, and it involves complex physiological processes that regulate internal conditions. Functions from temperature regulation to pH balance, glucose levels, and ion concentrations are constantly monitored and adjusted through a system of negative feedback loops. These loops act to correct deviations from a stable condition or a 'set point', ensuring that body functions do not vary too widely. Mechanisms that help maintain this equilibrium are referred to as homeostatic mechanisms or homeostats. Each variable, such as body temperature or blood glucose levels, is monitored by specific homeostats which respond to changes and initiate processes to bring the variable back within the normal range.