Homeostasis - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Emma Archbold

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What is homeostasis?

In GCSE biology, homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment. Internal conditions are maintained within narrow limits despite any changes in the external environment. Homeostatic mechanisms inside the body act to reverse any change from an ideal set point, ensuring that conditions remain constant, e.g. core body temperature must be kept at the optimum temperature for enzyme function.

A flowchart diagram illustrating a homeostasis process with steps: change detected, mechanisms activated, conditions returned, mechanisms switched off.
During homeostasis any change in the body from an ideal set point is detected and reversed, ensuring that internal conditions remain constant

Internal conditions are regulated by the nervous system and the action of hormones.  Examples of homeostasis include blood glucose regulation, temperature regulation (thermoregulation) and the regulation of blood water content (osmoregulation).

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Emma Archbold

Reviewer: Emma Archbold

Expertise: Biology Content Creator

Prior to working at SME, Emma was a Biology teacher for 5 years. During those years she taught three different GCSE exam boards and two A-Level exam boards, gaining a wide range of teaching expertise in the subject. Emma particularly enjoys learning about ecology and conservation. Emma is passionate about making her students achieve the highest possible grades in their exams by creating amazing revision resources!

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