homeostasis

Examples of homeostasis in the following topics:

• Drive-Reduction Theory of Motivation

  • According to drive-reduction theory, humans are motivated to satisfy physiological needs in order to maintain homeostasis.
  • An early theory of motivation proposed that the maintenance of homeostasis is particularly important in directing behavior.
  • Homeostasis is the tendency to maintain a balance, or optimal level, within a biological system.
  • The purpose of biological drives is to correct disturbances of homeostasis.
  • According to this theory, deviations from homeostasis create physiological needs.

• Circadian Rhythms

  • The circadian pacemaker, located in the SCN, regulates the timing and consolidation of the sleep-wake cycle, while sleep-wake homeostasis governs the accumulation of sleep debt and sleep recovery.
  • When we have been awake for an extended period of time, sleep-wake homeostasis tells us that the need for sleep is accumulating, and staying awake becomes more difficult.

• The Endocrine System and Hunger

  • The hypothalamus regulates the body's physiological homeostasis.

• Undergraduate and Graduate Study in Psychology

  • Psychologists are involved in all aspects of maintaining the world's behavioral and emotional homeostasis.

• The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • Together, these two systems maintain homeostasis within the body: one priming the body for action, and the other repairing the body afterward.

• Arousal Theory of Motivation

  • The purpose of biological drives is to correct disturbances of homeostasis.

• Biology of Emotion

  • Equilibrium of the body, in which biological conditions (such as body temperature) are maintained at optimal levels, is known as homeostasis.

• How the Body Responds to Stress

  • Stimuli that disrupt homeostasis in this way are known as stressors.