Why Is Homeostasis Described As Dynamic?

Homeostasis is often referred to as dynamic self-regulation and is a harmonious function that most organisms undergo. When one typically thinks of a state of harmony and balance, the idea of stillness typically comes to mind. Homeostasis, however, is much different in that balance is attained through perpetual motion, or a dynamic process. The concept generally applies to biological processes, but can also be applied to social situations.

Homeostasis

• Homeostasis is most generally defined as a state of balance or equilibrium in the body. It is maintained through internal regulation systems and a series of feedback controls. The purpose of homeostasis is to maintain a stable and constant condition within the body, such as nutritional balance through digestion or water content balance through urination and sweat.

Dynamic Processes

• A dynamic process is one that is constantly changing or evolving as a function of its existence. Often, concepts such as economic change, cellular regulation and even breathing are described as dynamic. At its root, the concept of dynamism implies perpetual change.

Dynamic Homeostasis

• Dynamic homeostasis implies that a system is in a constant state of motion, but in opposite directions. For example, a body's water amount is controlled through intake versus the opposite function of sweat and urination. Therefore, homeostasis is achieved while also remaining in motion, or dynamic. Ultimately, the system's equilibrium doesn't change in spite of dynamic motion.

Social Homeostasis

• The concept of dynamic homeostasis also applies to social settings. As a concept, social homeostasis is the idea that activities by an environment's inhabitants regulate the external environment itself. This concept originated from the example of colony-oriented animals, such as ants and termites, and is really not that distinct from organismal homeostasis.