Use an example to outline the role of the nervous system in maintaining homeostasis. - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 17 - 2005 - Paper 1

The nervous system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating physiological processes in the body through feedback mechanisms.

For instance, consider the regulation of body temperature. When the body temperature rises above the normal range (around 37°C), the hypothalamus in the brain detects this change. In response, it signals the sweat glands to produce sweat, and blood vessels in the skin dilate, allowing more heat to escape from the body. This process is part of the negative feedback loop that serves to lower body temperature back to the set point.

Conversely, when body temperature drops, the hypothalamus initiates actions to increase heat production through mechanisms such as shivering and constricting blood vessels to reduce heat loss. This demonstrates how the nervous system works in concert with other systems to maintain homeostasis.