homeostasis

(noun)

The ability of a system or living organism to adjust its internal environment to maintain a stable equilibrium, such as the ability of warm-blooded animals to maintain a constant temperature.

Related Terms

(noun)

Equilibrium of the body, in which biological conditions (such as body temperature) are maintained at optimal levels.

Related Terms

(noun)

The ability of a system or living organism to adjust its internal environment to maintain a state of dynamic constancy, such as the ability of warm-blooded animals to maintain a stable temperature. 

Related Terms

Examples of homeostasis in the following topics:

  • Drive-Reduction Theory of Motivation

    • According to drive-reduction theory, humans are motivated to satisfy physiological needs in order to maintain homeostasis.
    • An early theory of motivation proposed that the maintenance of homeostasis is particularly important in directing behavior.
    • Homeostasis is the tendency to maintain a balance, or optimal level, within a biological system.
    • The purpose of biological drives is to correct disturbances of homeostasis.
    • According to this theory, deviations from homeostasis create physiological needs.

  • Circadian Rhythms

    • The circadian pacemaker, located in the SCN, regulates the timing and consolidation of the sleep-wake cycle, while sleep-wake homeostasis governs the accumulation of sleep debt and sleep recovery.
    • When we have been awake for an extended period of time, sleep-wake homeostasis tells us that the need for sleep is accumulating, and staying awake becomes more difficult.

  • The Endocrine System and Hunger

    • The hypothalamus regulates the body's physiological homeostasis.

  • Undergraduate and Graduate Study in Psychology

    • Psychologists are involved in all aspects of maintaining the world's behavioral and emotional homeostasis.

  • The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

    • Together, these two systems maintain homeostasis within the body: one priming the body for action, and the other repairing the body afterward.

  • Arousal Theory of Motivation

    • The purpose of biological drives is to correct disturbances of homeostasis.

  • Biology of Emotion

    • Equilibrium of the body, in which biological conditions (such as body temperature) are maintained at optimal levels, is known as homeostasis.

  • How the Body Responds to Stress

    • Stimuli that disrupt homeostasis in this way are known as stressors.