Homeostasis Case Study
Beginning:
#1. The part of the brain that is responsible for raising Jim’s heartrate in the Medulla Oblongata.
This is the
... [Show More] part of the brain that is involved in the homeostatic control of heart rate (and blood
pressure). However, the part of the brain that is responsible for raising Jim’s respiratory rate is the
pons. This is the part of the brain that is in control of how fast we breathe. The part of the brain that
is responsible for stimulating Jim’s sweating is the hypothalamus. This part of the brain uses
homeostasis to return the body back to the correct temperature in ways like cooling the body down
with sweat.
#2. The part of the nervous system that is responsible for controlling the body’s unconscious
functions in the autonomic nervous system. It controls things like heartbeat, breathing, and some
digestive processes. Due to this phenomenon, a part (the sympathetic part) of this autonomic
nervous system becomes engaged at the start of the race because the unconscious things that the
ANS controls become increased. The physiological impacts that this has on Jim’s body would
include dilated lungs bronchi to supporting heavier breathing, an increased heartbeat for more
blood flow, and less digestion due to the presence of adrenaline.
One minute in:
#1. Jim used up his available supply of hemoglobin at the beginning of the race because he moved
his muscles in such a way that was exerting and vigorous in order to get the race off to a good start.
Due to this change, his muscles must now use his available oxygen supply within his cells since his
available supply of hemoglobin is gone in order to maintain his homeostasis.
#2. Jim's muscles feel like they are burning because of the sensory information that they are
receiving from his nervous system. This burning feeling comes from his increased activity and
increased fatigue that are occurring due to the physical activity that he is doing. Specifically, his
muscles are using his stored glycogen within his cells and the byproduct of this is the production of
lactic acid. This causes the burning feeling.
Halfway mark:
#1. Jim decreasing the demands his muscles are making is due to his fight or flight response. Jim’s
brain decreased the production of adrenaline after the first minute because his body realized that it
was not in danger and that the stress it is experiencing is constant. Jim’s body does this so it uses
less of its energy now that it knows it is safe. Jim himself is responsible for this probably [Show Less]