Breathing Rate Homeostasis

Homeostasis defines how the body regulates a constant optimal condition and this is regulation is achieved through mechanisms such as receptors, the control centre and effectors. Whilst Dan exercises, he will notice a marked increase in his breathing and heart rate as the hypothalamus detects changes in the blood and communicates this though to his medulla via a chemical messenger that binds and stimulates the receptors on postganglionic neurons found in the spinal cord. In response, Dan’s medulla, which controls heart rate, will release epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood, which then travel to his heart in order to stimulate the sinus node. Once this occurs the electrical signals from the sinus will become stronger, prompting stronger

When this doesn’t happen, the body can overheat and various health complaints can occur, such as swelling and fainting. Dan’s breathing rate is controlled by the respiratory control centre of the brain, this recognises levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and responds

When exercise ceases, Dan’s muscles will signal the medulla to release acetylcholine. This slows down the contractions of the heart, and allows the heart to rest by reducing the heart rate. Ultimately homeostatic function is regulated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system of which both are part of the autonomic nervous system. The temperature of the body is regulated by the thermoregulatory centre located within the hypothalamus. Two receptors work together to maintain the homeostatic ideal and these are an internal one located within the brain, and an external receptor that is skin. An example of homeostatic maintenance is vasodilatation which occurs when the body’s internal temperature is too high. This

If damage to the kidney continues, eventually the nephrons well die and total kidney failure will result. The acute form develops suddenly. The condition may develop after an infection in the throat or skin and symptoms commonly include facial puffiness, urine retention and bloody urine. Shortness of breath may also occur as a build up of fluid occurs around the lungs. Ordinarily acute glomerulonephritis will cease on its own, though dialysis is sometimes required for those afflicted who have a large amount of extra fluid within the body. Two further conditions are associated with this disease and those are nephritic syndrome and nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is characterised by the presence of proteinuria within the urine and this release of protein from the body can adversely affect osmotic processes in the body, leading towards irregular dehydration of the cells and pooling of fluids elsewhere in the body in the form of oedema, mainly noticeable within the face and