Evidence
For our investigation of homeostasis, we wanted to see how homeostasis is maintained regarding the pH of the saliva. To do this, we had to test subjects consume liquids of different acidities and alkalinities and then measure the pH of their saliva every 40 seconds until their pH returned to baseline. We also had them do a control test beforehand. Knowing that the pH of saliva was about 7 after the control, we made our solutions using water, baking soda, and lemon juice to be at pH levels of 6 and 8, Then we completed the tests. Our initial hypothesis was that the pH of the saliva would return to normal.
content
Homeostasis - homeostasis is the stable condition of different body systems of an organism necessary for bodily function which is constantly being maintained by the body. Almost all body systems have some sort of homeostasis that needs to be maintained. examples include core body temperature, blood glucose levels, iron levels, calcium levels, levels of blood gases, blood oxygen content, arterial blood pressure, sodium concentration, potassium concentration, fluid balance, blood pH, salivary pH, cerebrospinal fluid, neurotransmission, and metabolism
Core body temperature - body temperature is crucial for bodily function, it is regulated by redirecting the blood supply and by sweat.
Blood glucose levels - The glucose level of the blood needs to be maintained so that the cells get the energy that they need, it is regulated by hormones like insulin and glucagon as well ad the liver and fatty tissues.
Blood oxygen content - The level of oxygen in the blood needs to stay constant so that cellular respiration can take place. It is regulated by red bone marrow, which produces red blood cells, and by the breathing rate.
Arterial blood pressure - Blood pressure is important because it regulates bloodflow. It is regulated by the heart beat and dilation of the arteries.
Fluid balance - fluid balance is very important because water is the medium of our body. It is regulated by urination and thirst.
PH of extracellular fluid - The pH of extracellular fluid (which includes blood and saliva is important to prevent acidaemia and alkalaemia. It is regulated by certain chemical buffers.
Core body temperature - body temperature is crucial for bodily function, it is regulated by redirecting the blood supply and by sweat.
Blood glucose levels - The glucose level of the blood needs to be maintained so that the cells get the energy that they need, it is regulated by hormones like insulin and glucagon as well ad the liver and fatty tissues.
Blood oxygen content - The level of oxygen in the blood needs to stay constant so that cellular respiration can take place. It is regulated by red bone marrow, which produces red blood cells, and by the breathing rate.
Arterial blood pressure - Blood pressure is important because it regulates bloodflow. It is regulated by the heart beat and dilation of the arteries.
Fluid balance - fluid balance is very important because water is the medium of our body. It is regulated by urination and thirst.
PH of extracellular fluid - The pH of extracellular fluid (which includes blood and saliva is important to prevent acidaemia and alkalaemia. It is regulated by certain chemical buffers.
Reflection
I think my group did very well for this project. Three things that we did well on were our testing, our presenting, and our cooperation. We made sure that our procedure made sense and followed the scientific method. Our presenting was very clear and gave all the necessary information. Lastly, we all cooperated well during the project and split work up evenly. Three things that could have been improved were our background research, our initial organization, and our consistency. We didn't find out everything about saliva, we didn't have all our materials for the first few days and we made several timing errors during the testing. If we were to redo this project, these are the places we would fix.