[ **up:: [[Vital processes (Biology)]]** ] --- # Homeostasis (Biology) Homeostasis is the state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.[^1] For example, humans sweat as a form of temperature control.[^2] > “Homeostasis is the activity of cells throughout the body to maintain the physiological state within a narrow range that is compatible with life.”[^3] Homeostasis is regulated by negative feedbacks loops and, less frequently, positive feedback loops.[^3] - **Negative feedback loops:** work to prevent excessive responses to stimuli (e.g. temperature control).[^3] + **Positive feedback loops:** intensify a response until an end point is reached (e.g. childbirth).[^3] [^1]: Lindsay M. Biga, et al., ‘1.1. How Structure Determines Function’, in *Anatomy & Physiology* (Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University, 2019), https://open.oregonstate.education/aandp/chapter/1-1-how-structure-determines-function/. [^2]: ‘Homeostasis’, *Britannica*, updated 29 July 2024, https://www.britannica.com/science/homeostasis. [^3]: Lindsay M. Biga, et al., ‘1.2. Homeostasis’, in *Anatomy & Physiology* (Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University, 2019), https://open.oregonstate.education/aandp/chapter/1-3-homeostasis/.