What does the term homeostasis refer to?

Homeostasis refers to the steady internal state of equilibrium that an organism maintains despite changes in external conditions. This concept is vital for survival, as it involves the regulation of various physiological processes to keep bodily functions within a targeted range. For instance, the human body regulates temperature, pH levels, hydration, and electrolyte concentrations to ensure that cells function optimally.

This balance is achieved through feedback mechanisms that detect changes and trigger responses. For example, when the body temperature rises, mechanisms such as sweating may be activated to lower it back to a normal range, illustrating the principle of homeostasis in action. Thus, understanding homeostasis is crucial in fields like medicine, biology, and health sciences, where maintaining internal balance is necessary for well-being.