The purpose of the homeostatic system is to maintain a stable environment despite fluctuations in the external environment, homeostasis meaning ‘same state’. Glucose homeostasis refers to maintaining blood glucose levels in the human body. Glucose is one of the most important energy sources. For various tissues in the body, such as the brain, glucose is the only substance used. It is important that there is a continuous supply of glucose for this reason.
For homeostasis of the internal environment to occur there are three components required; a receptor, a control centre and an effector. These components work in a loop called negative feedback, which reverses the direction of the change ensuring constant regulation. Within the glucose homeostatic …show more content…
High blood glucose levels can damage proteins which, if isn’t dealt with efficiently, can damage tissues. In particular, damage to small blood vessels are a diabetic complication which can cause problems with the retina in the eye, even leading to blindness, and circulation which can lead to gangrene and other infections. Other consequences of high blood glucose are damage to nerves called neuropathy which is caused by blood supply loss, nephropathy or damage to kidneys causing patients to need dialysis, and higher chances of developing coronary artery disease leading to heart attacks.
The control system of the glucose homeostasis system also has adaptive advantages. Since the body cannot work effectively without a constant supply of glucose, and it isn’t possible for glucose to be absorbed into the body at all times, there must be a way to store the glucose. This adaptation is the liver, which stores excess glucose for when it is needed between meals. The liver is, therefore, very signification to the glucose homeostasis system.
Overall, the human blood glucose regulation system and the components of the Islets of Langerhans, the alpha and beta cells, and the liver and muscles, work together efficiently to maintain homeostasis. In the event of a disruption to the system, there are mechanisms which cope with either hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia or
For homeostasis of the internal environment to occur there are three components required; a receptor, a control centre and an effector. These components work in a loop called negative feedback, which reverses the direction of the change ensuring constant regulation. Within the glucose homeostatic …show more content…
High blood glucose levels can damage proteins which, if isn’t dealt with efficiently, can damage tissues. In particular, damage to small blood vessels are a diabetic complication which can cause problems with the retina in the eye, even leading to blindness, and circulation which can lead to gangrene and other infections. Other consequences of high blood glucose are damage to nerves called neuropathy which is caused by blood supply loss, nephropathy or damage to kidneys causing patients to need dialysis, and higher chances of developing coronary artery disease leading to heart attacks.
The control system of the glucose homeostasis system also has adaptive advantages. Since the body cannot work effectively without a constant supply of glucose, and it isn’t possible for glucose to be absorbed into the body at all times, there must be a way to store the glucose. This adaptation is the liver, which stores excess glucose for when it is needed between meals. The liver is, therefore, very signification to the glucose homeostasis system.
Overall, the human blood glucose regulation system and the components of the Islets of Langerhans, the alpha and beta cells, and the liver and muscles, work together efficiently to maintain homeostasis. In the event of a disruption to the system, there are mechanisms which cope with either hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia or