What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This concept is essential for the survival of living organisms as it involves regulating variables such as temperature, pH levels, hydration, and ion concentrations to keep them within specific limits that are conducive to cellular functions. For instance, human bodies have mechanisms to regulate temperature, ensuring it stays around 37°C, which is optimal for enzymatic and metabolic processes.

While processes like cell division, growth, and reactions to external stimuli are important biological functions, they do not define homeostasis. Instead, these functions may be influenced by or contribute to the overall maintenance of internal stability, but they do not encompass the comprehensive regulatory processes involved in sustaining an organism's internal environment. Homeostasis is a dynamic process that involves feedback mechanisms, primarily through endocrine and nervous systems, ensuring that any deviations from the norm are corrected efficiently to maintain optimal functioning.