Lab Report: Effects of Exercise on Homeostasis

Categories: Biology

Abstract

This lab report investigates the impact of exercise on various homeostatic factors in the human body, including changes in skin color, perspiration level, external body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate. A group of individuals engaged in controlled exercise sessions, and their observations and measurements were recorded at different time intervals. The data collected were analyzed to gain insights into how the body responds to exercise and maintains equilibrium.

Introduction

Exercise induces several physiological changes in the human body as it strives to maintain internal equilibrium or homeostasis.

These changes can be observed and measured to understand the body's responses to physical activity. The factors under investigation in this experiment include changes in skin color, perspiration level, external body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate. By monitoring these parameters during exercise, we can gain valuable insights into how the body adapts to maintain homeostasis in the face of increased physical demand.

Materials and Methods

Materials

  • Stopwatch
  • Thermometer
  • Data recording sheets

Procedure

  1. Record baseline observations and values for the person about to engage in exercise, including skin color, perspiration level, external body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate, while they are at rest.

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  2. The exercising student will begin jumping rope when signaled and continue for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, record observations and measurements.
  3. Repeat the exercise at 2-minute intervals until a total of 8 minutes have passed, recording observations and measurements after each interval.
  4. After the 8-minute exercise, allow the student to rest for 1 minute, then record final observations and measurements.
  5. Clean the thermometer with alcohol and return all lab materials to their designated area.

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Results

External Body Temperature at Various Intervals of Exercise

Time Interval (minutes) External Body Temperature (°C)
0 36.5
2 37.2
4 37.8
6 38.2
8 38.5

Breathing Rate at Various Intervals of Exercise

Time Interval (minutes) Breathing Rate (breaths/minute)
0 16
2 24
4 30
6 36
8 40

Heart Rate at Various Intervals of Exercise

Time Interval (minutes) Heart Rate (beats/minute)
0 80
2 100
4 120
6 140
8 160

Discussion

In the discussion section, we will address the questions posed in the conclusion to describe and explain the results of the lab.

What are the changes you observed in the body color and perspiration level in response to?

The changes in body color and perspiration level observed during exercise are primarily in response to increased physical activity and the body's need to dissipate excess heat. When we exercise, our muscles generate heat as a byproduct of energy production. To regulate body temperature and prevent overheating, the body dilates blood vessels near the skin's surface, leading to a pink or red appearance. Additionally, the increase in perspiration helps in evaporative cooling, further aiding in temperature regulation.

How do the changes help the body adjust to maintain equilibrium (homeostasis)?

The observed changes in body color and perspiration level are essential mechanisms that assist the body in maintaining homeostasis. The cardiovascular system plays a critical role in this process by delivering oxygen to working muscles, transporting heat from the core to the skin, delivering nutrients to active tissues, and transporting hormones. These adaptations help the body dissipate excess heat, prevent overheating, and maintain a stable internal environment.

Why do you think a change in body temperature occurs?

A change in body temperature occurs during exercise as a result of increased metabolic activity and heat production in the muscles. To prevent overheating, the body initiates cooling mechanisms, including increased perspiration. Sweat evaporating from the skin surface cools the body down, restoring a balanced internal temperature. This dynamic temperature regulation allows individuals to engage in strenuous physical activity without risking excessive overheating.

Your body uses which mechanisms to maintain a constant body temperature?

The body utilizes both negative and positive feedback mechanisms to maintain a constant body temperature. Negative feedback mechanisms, such as sweating, help cool the body when temperatures rise above the set point. In contrast, positive feedback mechanisms, such as shivering, help raise body temperature when it falls below the set point. These mechanisms work in tandem to keep the body's internal temperature within a narrow, optimal range.

Why does an increased breathing rate accompany exercise?

During exercise, increased muscle activity requires more oxygen and fuel for energy production. As a result, the respiratory system responds by increasing the breathing rate. This elevated rate of respiration ensures that the bloodstream receives an adequate supply of oxygen to meet the heightened demands of active muscles. The increased oxygen intake supports efficient energy production and helps the body cope with the increased metabolic workload.

Why does an increased heart rate accompany exercise?

Exercise places greater demands on the circulatory system as active muscles require more oxygen and nutrients. To meet these demands, the heart rate increases, pumping more blood and oxygen to the muscles. This elevated heart rate ensures a rapid delivery of oxygen and nutrients, enhancing the efficiency of energy production in the working muscles. It also facilitates the removal of metabolic waste products, supporting overall exercise performance.

Conclusion

Homeostasis is the body's intricate system for maintaining a stable internal environment. During exercise, the body undergoes significant changes, including alterations in body color, perspiration, temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate. These changes are essential mechanisms that help the body adapt to increased physical demands while ensuring equilibrium. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems play pivotal roles in regulating oxygen delivery, heat dissipation, and nutrient transport during exercise, ensuring the body can perform efficiently while avoiding overheating or cooling.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this experiment, it is clear that regular exercise induces significant physiological responses in the human body. These responses are important for maintaining overall health and fitness. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals engage in regular physical activity to benefit from the positive effects on homeostasis, such as improved cardiovascular function and temperature regulation. Additionally, further research could explore the specific mechanisms and adaptations that occur during various types and intensities of exercise to better understand how the body maintains equilibrium in different conditions.

Updated: Jan 03, 2024
Cite this page

Lab Report: Effects of Exercise on Homeostasis. (2016, Nov 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/homeostasis-and-heart-rate-lab

Lab Report: Effects of Exercise on Homeostasis essay
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