homeostasis is functionally wrong??

[httamli]

Seriously, this is an essay question from my A&P class! What is functionally wrong with the idea that homeostasis maintains the constancy of the internal environment? How constant is the internal environment? Is constancy important, or is there another term that better describes what the various regulatory systems achieve?

Okay, I've googled until my fingers bled (okay, not that far) and I can find NOTHING on this side of the topic! Ideas? Insights? HELP!

[Anoetos, BSN, RN]

Nevermind...silly idea.

[SaphiraTX]

Seriously, this is an essay question from my A&P class! What is functionally wrong with the idea that homeostasis maintains the constancy of the internal environment? How constant is the internal environment? Is constancy important, or is there another term that better describes what the various regulatory systems achieve?

Okay, I've googled until my fingers bled (okay, not that far) and I can find NOTHING on this side of the topic! Ideas? Insights? HELP!

Since I have this same question sitting on my desk for my final next week, I can only assume you are in my class. Honestly, this question seems right up the way he normally thinks. Good luck with the exam :)

[httamli]

No, not my final. Wish it were that simple!

[Music in My Heart]

How 'bout this: Homeostasis is not so much about "constancy" as it is about "adaptivity." For example, a fever of 102 is an adaptive response to make the host less hospitable to the invading microorganisms.