Summary Of Homeostasis

The purpose of homeostasis is to maintain a state of dynamic equilibrium within the body. Animals need to maintain a constant internal environment despite fluctuations in the internal and external environment. We need homeostasis as it keeps the bodys environment under control and keeps the conditions right for cells to live and function at optimal levels which ensures the survival and reproduction of the animals. Without the right conditions for the cells some would not be able to function properly. Tissues in the body use a range of energy sources including fats and amino acids but certain important tissues can only use glucose so the purpose of homeostatic control of blood glucose is to give these tissues a constant supply of glucose to …show more content…
The pancreas Is both an exocrine and an endocrine gland. The endocrine tissue takes the form of one to two million tiny clusters of pancreatic cells called islets of Langerhans. The two hormones insulin and glucagon are secreted by the islet of Langerhans. The islet of Langerhans contains the alpha and beta cells. The Alpha and Beta cells detect the change in the blood glucose. The pancreas is adjacent to the gut and on the portal vein which drains nutrient from gut to the liver which means that the alpha and beta cells can easily detect these fluctuations (changes) due to the flow of nutrients moving in the blood stream so therefore they are able to send out the right hormone to help counteract the change. They do this by using the negative feedback mechanism to bring the blood glucose back within the set range. When there is a decrease in the blood glucose levels the alpha cells detect the change and act upon it. They do this by secreting the hormone glucagon which stimulates the release of glucose and glycogon stored in the liver cells into the blood plasma. Glucagon targets special cells in the body in order to level out the glucose levels in the body. These special cells are liver, muscles, and fat cells. These cells have receptors which recognise and binds the hormone gucagon. When the glucagon binds to the receptors, the glycogen stored in the liver is converted into glucose molecules which is then released into the blood stream. This action therefore increases the blood glucose levels due to the glucose being increased in the blood stream. The glucagon also stimulates the release of fatty acids from fat tissue in the body. Because of the increase in glucose levels and the fatty acids being present in the blood it stimulates the release of insulin and inhibits glucagon which is part