Homework: Differences Between Homeostasis Set Point Theory
Read the following:
• Kessler text: Introduction and Chapters 1 through 6
• Module Notes: The Beginning of the Obesity Epidemic
Now watch any video clips in reference to the following:
Homeostasis Nutrition and Obesity
The Brain and Food (Secrets of Your Mind)
Now write a 500 word paper to address the questions below. You are required to cite your sources in the body of your text properly, include a reference page, and use APA style.
1. Define and explain all three of the following concepts: homeostasis, "set point theory,” and settling point theory.
2. Explain the similarities between homeostasis and "set point theory.” Explain any differences between homeostasis and "set point theory.”
3. Explain how settling point theory is different from both homeostasis and "set point theory.” Why did scientists believe that these factors or mechanisms controlled the body weight of adults in the past?
Obesity Concepts
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Obesity Concepts
Living organisms, tend to live in environments that are variable. This means that they have keep adjusting to match the standards within which they can operate optimally. Homeostasis is a concept that relates to the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment, even when the external environment changes (Kessler, n.d.). This means that the body of the organism will adjust the internal aspects such as the temperature, blood pressure, respiration, the pH levels of the internal fluids within the cells, the concentration of the various fluids. It is also important to note that each of the homeostatic systems are controlled by different set of regulators. The systems also tend to be energy consuming to maintain. There are three parts to these systems which includes receptors, effecters and the integrating centers. The receptors are responsible for sensing the environmental stimuli and sending the information to the integrating center. The latter is usually a section of the brain which interprets the signal that comes in and sends a signal to the effector (Speakman et al., 2011). The signal in this case could be a positive feedback which means accelerating the output, while a negative feedback brings the system back to normal. The negative feedback could involve adjusting the temperature, blood pressure or even the metabolism.
The set point theory indicates that, there is a standards weight range that any one’s body operates optimally at. This is to mean that, the body will constantly try to adjust to that body weight every other time there is a dip or overshoot in the weight (Speakman et al., 2011). There is a genetic standard that the body is always working with to maintain the body weight set out in the genes. This is an aspect that one does not have control over as the body maintains this standards on its own (The Beginning of the Obesity Epidemic, n.d.). It is ...