homeostasis (redirected from Homoeostasis)

homeostasis /ho·meo·sta·sis/ (-sta´sis) a tendency to equilibrium or stability in the normal physiological states of the organism.homeostat´ic

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ho·me·o·sta·sis (hm--stss)

n.

1. The ability or tendency of an organism or a cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes.

2. The processes used to maintain such bodily equilibrium.

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home·o·static (-sttk) adj.

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Homeostasis

The tendency of a family system to maintain internal stability and resist change.

Mentioned in: Family Therapy, Life Support

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homeostasis

[hō′mē·əstā′sis]

Etymology: Gk, homoios + stasis, standing still

a relative constancy in the internal environment of the body, naturally maintained by adaptive responses that promote healthy survival. Various sensing, feedback, and control mechanisms function to effect this steady state. Some of the key control mechanisms are the reticular formation in the brainstem and the endocrine glands. Some of the functions controlled by homeostatic mechanisms are heartbeat, hematopoiesis, blood pressure, body temperature, electrolytic balance, respiration, and glandular secretion. homeostatic, adj.

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homeostasis [ho″me-o-sta´sis]

the tendency of biological systems to maintain relatively constant conditions in the internal environment while continuously interacting with and adjusting to changes originating within or outside the system. See also balance and equilibrium. adj., adj homeostat´ic. The term is considered by some to be misleading in that the word element-stasis implies a static or fixed and unmoving state, whereas homeostasis actually involves continuous motion, adaptation, and change in response to environmental factors.

It is through homeostatic mechanisms that body temperature is kept within normal range, the osmotic pressure of the blood and its hydrogen ion concentration (pH) is kept within strict limits, nutrients are supplied to cells as needed, and waste products are removed before they accumulate and reach toxic levels of concentration. These are but a few examples of the thousands of homeostatic control systems within the body. Some of these systems operate within the cell and others operate within an aggregate of cells (organs) to control the complex interrelationships among the various organs.

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homeostasis,

n the state of balance in the internal environment of the body achieved by various control mechanisms.

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homeostasis (hō´mēōstā´sis),

n the term used to describe the tendency toward physiologic equilibration (e.g., acid-base balance, pH level of blood, blood sugar level).

homeostasis, cell,

n the tendency of biologic tissues and processes to maintain a constancy of environment consistent with their vitality and well being. For cells to maintain their stability or equilibrium, the cell membranes must be in continuous interaction with both the internal (intracellular) environment and the external (extracellular) environment. When the equilibrium of any component is disturbed, the interaction permits automatic readjustment by giving rise to stimuli that result in restoration of the equilibrium.

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homeostasis

a tendency of biological systems to maintain stability while continually adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.

Homeostatic mechanisms are necessary for the body to regain its balance when disease or injury occurs and to maintain that balance if it is to remain healthy.

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homeostasis

Physiology The dynamic constancy of the internal environment; the self-regulating biologic processes that maintain an organism's equilibrium; the ability to maintain a constant state under various conditions of stress