Homeostatis and Control-integration as basic principles in the physiology of man

Abstract

The word homeostasis, proposed by W.B. Cannon in 1929, is derived from the Greek word homois (— like, resembling, the same) and stasis (— standing, static). It denotes a condition of dynamic internal stability.of a system by means of coordinated reactions. These reactions of the system compensate or neutralize any disturbing influence from outside or inside the system. These disturbing influences would otherwise change the normal structural and functional characteristics of the system. Two im­ portant aspects should be considered namely: (1) the aspect of internal stability and (2) coordinated reaction to assure stability. The idea of regulation or control and coordination in living beings is not new. The basic idea is found in Chinese, Egyptian, Hebrew and Greek literature. According to Langley several physiologists were responsible for establishing the theory of homeostasis.