Effects of Malaria on Homeostasis

Effects of Malaria on Homeostasis

Introduction

Homeostasis is the maintenance of consistency in the environment around and within the living cells, especially regarding concentration of salt, pH, body temperature and level of blood sugar. However, the normal blood homeostasis is disturbed when the malarial parasites penetrate in the blood cells (Mauritz, et al., 2009). In this paper, we will discuss the homeostasis in normal healthy human. Moreover, we will discuss that how malaria affects homeostasis with respect to changes in blood sugar level, temperature of the body, red blood cells and the after-effects of malaria on the human body.

Discussion

Homeostasis of Normal and Healthy Human

The homeostasis of normal and healthy human is discussed below:

Control of Body Temperature

The nude human body in normal condition can maintain a body temperature between 37° C - 38° C, even in case the external temperature is varied between 16° C- 54° C. The metabolism of the cell is the human body's furnace since all the cellular reactions discharge heat as a byproduct. When the human body rests, heat is generated in the body mainly by heart, brain, liver and endocrinal glands. However, during the activity, muscles generate heat many times the heat generated by these organs (Mauritz, et al., 2009).

Blood Pressure

Heart generates blood pressure, which is a pressure generated by blood against the vessel wall. The average or mean blood pressure of arteries is about 100 mm Hg. Even though, it increases gradually with age because of narrowing arteries and decreasing elasticity (Mauritz, et al., 2009).

Blood pH Control

In normal and healthy human body, the pH of blood in arteries is 7.4. An individual is diagnosed with acidosis if the pH value is less than 7.4, and the person is diagnosed with alkalosis, when the pH value is greater than 7.4. The lower and upper ...