Biology, Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the process by which an organism maintains a relatively stable internal environment despite changes outside or inside the body.

Examples include maintaining:

• Body temperature around a set point
  
• Blood glucose levels
  
• Water and salt balance
  
• Blood pressure
  
• Blood pH

Homeostasis mainly relies on negative feedback: when a condition moves away from its desired range, the body activates responses that counteract the change. For example, when body temperature rises, sweating and increased blood flow to the skin help cool the body.