homeostasis

[ hoh-mee-uh-stey-sis ]

noun

1. the tendency of a system, especially the physiological system of higher animals, to maintain internal stability, owing to the coordinated response of its parts to any situation or stimulus that would tend to disturb its normal condition or function. Compare allostasis ( def ).
2. Psychology. a state of psychological equilibrium obtained when tension or a drive has been reduced or eliminated.
3. Entomology. the ability of members of a colony of social insects to behave cooperatively to produce a desired result, as when bees coordinate the fanning of their wings to cool the hive.

homeostasis

/ ˌhəʊmɪəʊˈstætɪk; ˌhəʊmɪəʊˈsteɪsɪs /

noun

1. the maintenance of metabolic equilibrium within an animal by a tendency to compensate for disrupting changes
2. the maintenance of equilibrium within a social group, person, etc

homeostasis

/ hō′mē-ō-stā′sĭs /

1. The tendency of an organism or cell to regulate its internal conditions, such as the chemical composition of its body fluids, so as to maintain health and functioning, regardless of outside conditions. The organism or cell maintains homeostasis by monitoring its internal conditions and responding appropriately when these conditions deviate from their optimal state. The maintenance of a steady body temperature in warm-blooded animals is an example of homeostasis. In human beings, the homeostatic regulation of body temperature involves such mechanisms as sweating when the internal temperature becomes excessive and shivering to produce heat, as well as the generation of heat through metabolic processes when the internal temperature falls too low.

homeostasis

1. The tendency of the body to seek and maintain a condition of balance or equilibrium within its internal environment, even when faced with external changes. A simple example of homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain an internal temperature around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (see also Fahrenheit ), whatever the temperature outside.

Derived Forms

• homeostatic, adjective

Other Words From

• ho·me·o·stat·ic [hoh-mee-, uh, -, stat, -ik], adjective
• ho·me·o·stat·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of homeostasis¹

First recorded in 1925–30; homeo- + stasis

Example Sentences

Rather, the researchers propose that cell-in-cell phenomena may play crucial roles in normal development, homeostasis and stress response across a wide range of organisms.

From Science Daily

The researchers say the study supports the Synaptic Homeostasis Hypothesis, a key theory on the purpose of sleep which proposes that sleeping acts as a reset for the brain.

From Science Daily

These sites are critical hubs for the exchange of essential biomolecules, such as lipids and calcium, which are vital for maintaining cellular homeostasis.

From Science Daily

“Investigation of functional foods that may directly improve lipid homeostasis during metabolic disease, or that could serve as a supplement to traditional therapeutic approaches, is paramount to identifying new strategies to support long-term health in the modern age,” Rob Dowen, PhD, professor of cell biology and physiology at UNC’s School of Medicine and lead author of the study, told Medical News Today.

From Salon

And does metformin treatment lead to long-term negative physiological changes in the offspring, especially in connection with the development of neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus, a critical region in the regulation of energy homeostasis?

From Science Daily

Related Words

• equilibrium