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Multiple Choice
How does the nervous system help the body maintain homeostasis?
A
By breaking down metabolic waste products
B
By directly producing hormones that regulate blood glucose levels
C
By storing excess nutrients for later use
D
By detecting changes in the internal environment and sending signals to effectors to restore balance
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of homeostasis: Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This involves regulating factors like temperature, pH, and glucose levels.
Learn the role of the nervous system in homeostasis: The nervous system detects changes in the internal environment (stimuli) through sensory receptors and processes this information in the brain or spinal cord.
Explore how signals are sent: Once the nervous system detects a change, it sends electrical signals (via neurons) to effectors such as muscles or glands to initiate a response that restores balance.
Understand the role of effectors: Effectors carry out the corrective actions, such as increasing or decreasing activity, to bring the internal environment back to its optimal state. For example, sweat glands help cool the body when it's overheated.
Clarify why the other options are incorrect: The nervous system does not directly break down metabolic waste, produce hormones, or store nutrients. These functions are carried out by other systems like the endocrine system, digestive system, or excretory system.