The systems regulate other organ systems to maintain homeostasis, the maintenance of a stable interval environment.
a. Digestive and Urinary
b. Nervous and Endocrine
c. Muscular and Endocrine
d. Digestive and Respiratory
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
b. Nervous and Endocrine
Explanation (300 words):
Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. This balance is essential for the proper functioning of cells, tissues, and organs. The nervous and endocrine systems are the primary regulators of homeostasis in the human body.
The nervous system provides rapid, short-term control. It uses electrical signals transmitted by neurons to quickly detect changes in the internal or external environment and respond accordingly. For example, when body temperature rises, the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) signals sweat glands to cool the body through perspiration. Similarly, if carbon dioxide levels in the blood increase, the nervous system can increase the breathing rate to restore balance.
The endocrine system, in contrast, works more slowly but has longer-lasting effects. It uses hormones—chemical messengers released by glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands—that travel through the bloodstream to target organs. For instance, the pancreas releases insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels. If blood sugar rises after eating, insulin is released to lower it; if it drops too low, glucagon is released to raise it.
Together, these two systems monitor and adjust many critical variables, including temperature, fluid balance, blood pressure, and metabolism. They also communicate with each other. For example, the hypothalamus in the brain is part of both systems: it receives nervous signals and controls the pituitary gland, which releases hormones that affect other endocrine glands.
While systems like the digestive, urinary, muscular, and respiratory systems play roles in maintaining homeostasis, they are primarily effectors—they carry out the actions directed by the nervous and endocrine systems. Therefore, the nervous and endocrine systems are the key regulators that coordinate and control the activities of all other organ systems to maintain a stable internal environment.