Final answer:
Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment. It is regulated by feedback loops that counteract changes in variables and restore them to their optimal range. Negative feedback loops are the primary mechanisms involved in homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homeostasis in Biology
Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. It is essential for the proper functioning of cells, tissues, and organs. Homeostasis is regulated by feedback loops, which involve the detection of changes in the internal environment and the activation of mechanisms to counteract these changes. For example, when body temperature rises above the setpoint, the body initiates sweating and vasodilation to cool down.
The primary mechanisms involved in homeostasis are negative feedback loops. These loops work by sensing a change in a particular variable, such as body temperature or blood sugar levels, and initiating a response to reverse the change and restore the variable to its optimal range. Negative feedback loops help maintain stability and prevent extreme deviations from the setpoint.
Keywords: homeostasis, feedback loops, negative feedback, setpoint, stable internal environment, response mechanisms