Homeostasis — the steady state

Abstract

When you have finished this chapter you should be able to:

• understand the principles of homeostasis in protoctists and animals

• explain how the liver functions

• explain how the blood sugar is regulated

• understand excretion

• understand osmoregulation

• explain how the kidney works

• understand ways in which kidney failure can be treated

• describe the structure of the skin

• describe the variety of functions of the skin

• explain how temperature is regulated in a variety of animals including humans

• understand how life-supporting conditions are provided for the development of the fetus