Regulate
Regulate
Regulate (pronunciation: /ˈrɛɡjʊleɪt/) is a term commonly used in the medical field. It refers to the process of controlling or maintaining balance or homeostasis in a biological system, such as the human body.
Etymology
The term 'regulate' originates from the Latin word 'regulare', which means 'to control by rule, direct'. It has been used in the English language since the late 15th century.
Medical Usage
In the medical context, 'regulate' is often used to describe the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions. This can refer to a wide range of physiological processes, such as the regulation of body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose levels.
For example, the pancreas regulates blood glucose levels by producing insulin and glucagon. These hormones work together to ensure that the body has a steady supply of energy, even when food intake is irregular.
Similarly, the kidneys regulate blood pressure by controlling the volume of blood plasma and the concentration of electrolytes in the body. This is crucial for maintaining the overall health and function of the cardiovascular system.
Related Terms
- Homeostasis: The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.
- Feedback Mechanism: A process that uses the conditions of one component to regulate the function of another.
- Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
- Insulin: A hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
- Glucagon: A hormone formed in the pancreas that promotes the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Regulate
- Wikipedia's article - Regulate
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