Final answer:
Maintaining homeostasis is the process in which organ systems work to maintain a stable internal environment. It requires constant adjustments by various organ systems in the body, such as the nervous system, respiratory system, and excretory system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maintaining Homeostasis
The process in which organ systems work to maintain a stable internal environment is called homeostasis. Keeping a stable internal environment requires constant adjustments. Here are just three of the many ways that human organ systems help the body maintain homeostasis:
- The nervous system: It helps regulate body temperature by activating sweat glands to release sweat when the body is too warm and constricting blood vessels in the skin to retain heat when the body is too cold.
- The respiratory system: It helps balance the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. When carbon dioxide levels are high, the respiratory system increases breathing rate and depth to eliminate excess carbon dioxide and bring in more oxygen.
- The excretory system: It helps regulate fluid balance and pH levels in the body through the kidneys. The kidneys filter waste products and excess water from the blood, maintaining the proper balance of salts and electrolytes.