homeostasis & balance
Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment! This is done with the help of the nervous system and the endocrine system! A change in internal environment is detected by stimuli, and the nervous system maintains homeostasis by transmitting signals when the endocrine system secretes hormones from glands. A valid method of homeostasis is negative feedback, a way which the body responds reversely to the received stimuli. An example would be how the body functions to cool down when the hypothalamus in the brain detects rise in body temperature. BBC.co.uk emphasizes on the importance of homeostasis as it keeps our body in suitable conditions and in balance. The website also points out that homeostasis helps enzymes as they deform over a certain temperature!
On the left is the diagram of my example of homeostasis given above!
Below is a video from brown.edu which explains homeostasis in more depth! |
hiv effect on homeostasis and balance
SOdium imbalance
To begin with, HIV interrupts with homeostasis by the disruption of hormone balance of the endocrine system. The PN(peripheral neuropathy) explained in the nervous system section also contributes to the malfunction of homeostasis, as homeostasis is performed by both nervous and endocrine systems. Due to the incapability of the muscles responding to the stimuli and the uncontrollable hormone secretion & production, the body fails to maintain a constant inner environment, thus failing in homeostasis!
ehow.com explains that sodium imbalance can occur due to HIV/AIDS. Sodium is regulated in the body for many purposes, such as maintaining blood pressure and helping nerves and muscles to operate better. An imbalance of sodium causes hypernatremia, developing a symptom of feeling thirsty. Unfortunately, not much about the Sodium imbalance and how HIV specifically causes it is unknown!