• Homeostasis
Homeostasis is a state of equilibrium where all of the body's systems are working together properly to achieve all of its needs. If it is interrupted in any way, the body will attempt to restore that equilibrium by adjusting at least one physiological process.
If there are severe stresses, or adjustments that last for a long time, the demands that are made on the body can have long lasting effects that can cause both psychological and psychosomatic disorders.
• Oxygen
The respiratory system (the lungs) is connected to the cardiovascular system (heart) so that blood can become oxygenated and to provide the cells within the body with the oxygen that they need to survive. The blood can only reach all of these cells because it is pumped around the body by the heart, which has been oxygenated through the lungs, and so they work together.
• Carbon dioxide
The respiratory system is also responsible for removing carbon dioxide, which is mostly carried in plasma as bicarbonate ions. These act as a chemical buffer, so the respiratory system is also responsible for maintaining the correct pH levels in blood. This is an important factor of homeostasis.
• pH levels in blood
If a person is stressed and hyperventilates, pH levels will increase; if this increase makes the pH level rise to more than 7.45, the result will be respiratory alkalosis. Conversely, if the pH levels fall to below 7.35, the result will be respiratory acidosis.
The respiratory system is also responsible for helping the lymphatic system. It does this by trapping pathogens and so protects tissues that lie deeper within the body.
Because of this harmonious working together, homeostasis can be maintained.
Homeostasis is a state of equilibrium where all of the body's systems are working together properly to achieve all of its needs. If it is interrupted in any way, the body will attempt to restore that equilibrium by adjusting at least one physiological process.
If there are severe stresses, or adjustments that last for a long time, the demands that are made on the body can have long lasting effects that can cause both psychological and psychosomatic disorders.
• Oxygen
The respiratory system (the lungs) is connected to the cardiovascular system (heart) so that blood can become oxygenated and to provide the cells within the body with the oxygen that they need to survive. The blood can only reach all of these cells because it is pumped around the body by the heart, which has been oxygenated through the lungs, and so they work together.
• Carbon dioxide
The respiratory system is also responsible for removing carbon dioxide, which is mostly carried in plasma as bicarbonate ions. These act as a chemical buffer, so the respiratory system is also responsible for maintaining the correct pH levels in blood. This is an important factor of homeostasis.
• pH levels in blood
If a person is stressed and hyperventilates, pH levels will increase; if this increase makes the pH level rise to more than 7.45, the result will be respiratory alkalosis. Conversely, if the pH levels fall to below 7.35, the result will be respiratory acidosis.
The respiratory system is also responsible for helping the lymphatic system. It does this by trapping pathogens and so protects tissues that lie deeper within the body.
Because of this harmonious working together, homeostasis can be maintained.