Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 1

Define the term homeostasis. How does it differ from the term steady state?

Step 1 of 2

The term “homeostasis” in physiology refers to maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment. The word is derived from two Greek words ‘homeo’ means ‘similar’ and ‘stasis’ means ‘stable.’ In spite of several external factors like heat, cold, stress, and sweat, out body maintains a relatively constant internal environment. The body has sensors that monitor the variables like temperature, salt concentration, blood pressure, and osmolarity. The sensors communicate to the brain to compensate for the changes, to restore the values to normal.