Homeostasis is defined as the property of a system which allows it to keep its internal conditions stable or within a certain range and consistent. It is a term which is used mostly when referring to the human body's ability to regulate temperature, balance acidity and alkalinity. Homeostasis originates from the two Greek words 'homeo,' which means 'similar,' and 'stasis,' which means 'stable.'
Homeostasis is achieved in the human body as well as plants and animals by complex systems within the organism. In humans and animals there are sensors which detect changes in internal conditions of many kinds such as heat and acidity and pass on information to the brain, so that regulatory adjustments can be made. When homeostasis is not working, problems can arise, such as diabetes or hypertension.
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