Period 8
October 24, 2014
Effects of Exercise on Homeostasis
According to the anatomy textbook, homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment, which is a dynamic state of equilibrium. To maintain that environment, the body regulates the heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and shows changes in skin color, as well as produces bodily fluids, such as sweat. When exercising, it challenges the body to maintain homeostasis, which was experimented with the lab that was done in class. Throughout the lab, three organ systems that were involved through homeostasis were the integumentary, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.
The integumentary system provides a protective layer from germs, and helps to maintain homeostasis when exercising. It helps to regulate body temperature by sweating, shivering, goose-bumps, as well as ion balances in the blood. The stimulation of cells can produce changes in blood flow, which can then affect the blood flow and how it is regulated in the body.
The integumentary system also maintains balance by the excretion of water and other solutes. During the lab in class, the individual that jump roped showed changes in their skin. As time went on, it was clear that their body was maintaining homeostasis. Throughout the time intervals, their body temperature would increase. That then caused a sweat response by dilating blood vessels and warming the surface of the skin. To disperse that heat, evaporation is used. As the person started to sweat, it was the body's way of cooling off to maintain that equilibrium. By the end of the lab, their face was red. That is because the capillaries in the face and throughout the body dilate, making blood flow through them to try to move the heat that the body is generating to the skin's surface. It then would be radiated off.