What is homeostasis?

• A. The breakdown of food for energy
• B. The maintenance of a stable internal environment
• C. The process of growth and development
• D. The absorption of nutrients

Answer: (B)

Homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This concept is fundamental to physiology, as it encompasses various physiological processes that regulate temperature, pH, hydration, and electrolyte balance, ensuring that the body operates optimally.

For instance, human bodies constantly adjust their heart rate and blood vessel diameter to maintain blood pressure and ensure proper circulation, as well as regulating body temperature through mechanisms like sweating or shivering. This stability is crucial for the proper functioning of enzymes and metabolic pathways, making homeostasis essential for survival.

The other options relate to important biological processes but do not capture the essence of homeostasis. For example, breaking down food for energy is part of metabolism and not specifically about maintaining internal stability. Similarly, growth and development indicate changes over time rather than stability, and absorption of nutrients pertains to how the body takes in resources, which also does not directly address the concept of maintaining a stable internal environment.