Final answer:
Homeostasis involves maintaining a stable internal environment, responding to disruptions with adjustments in physiological processes, and utilizing negative feedback mechanisms to do so.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homeostasis is defined as:
- a) adjustments in physiological processes to respond to changes that disrupt the internal environment
- c) maintaining a narrow range of internal conditions to optimize the body's performance
- e) utilizing negative feedback mechanisms to maintain internal conditions
Homeostasis is the process of maintaining a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. It involves continuous adjustments and the maintenance of balance within the body. The negative feedback mechanism is pivotal in maintaining this equilibrium, ensuring that body functions remain within a certain range which is critical for optimal performance of physiological processes.
For instance, if an individual's body temperature rises, homeostatic processes will kick in to cool the body and restore the normal temperature. Similarly, if glucose levels in the blood rise after eating, the body will adjust to lower them to a set range.