What are the effects of exercise on homeostasis?


Quick Answer

According to AZ Central, exercise challenges the human body's ability to maintain homeostasis by changing fluid and electrolyte levels along with other physiological aspects. Routine exercise makes the body grow stronger and healthier, and better able to regulate fluid levels and body temperature.

Continue Reading

Full Answer

AZ Central defines homeostasis as a consistent internal environment in the body. To maintain homeostasis, the human body regulates blood sugar, temperature, blood pressure and fluid levels. A stressor is anything that interrupts homeostasis, including exercise.

According to AZ Central, that exercise disrupts the respiratory, circulatory, muscular and energy systems. In response to this stressor, the body stimulates its endocrine organs and the sympathetic nervous center. AZ Central explains that the sympathetic nervous center initiates the breakdown of fat cells and the production of glucose by the liver. The stress hormone cortisol also stimulates the release of glucose from the liver. The glucose helps maintain the level of blood sugar in the body. The sympathetic nervous system also increases the heart and breathing rates; then it sends more blood to the working muscles by slowing down the blood supply to the digestive system.

Sweating is the body's natural way to maintain a consistent temperature, according to AZ Central. As muscles work, they produce heat and prompt sweating. AZ Central explains that as the body sweats, the body produces an anti-diuretic hormone and aldosterone to increase water retention. Another hormone, called angiotensin II, works with the aldosterone to maintain the blood pressure.

Learn more about Fitness & Exercise

Related Questions