# Homeostasis

**In this chapter, you will learn to:**

* Define homeostasis and explain its significance for mammals.
* Describe the principles of homeostasis, including the roles of stimuli, receptors, effectors, and how the nervous and endocrine systems coordinate responses.
* Explain the role of negative feedback in maintaining homeostasis.
* State that urea is produced in the liver through the deamination of excess amino acids.
* Describe the structure of the human kidney and identify the parts of a nephron and its associated blood vessels in diagrams.
* Explain how urine is produced within nephrons.
* Detail the structure of the Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule, and explain their adaptations for ultrafiltration and selective reabsorption.
* Describe how the kidneys regulate blood water potential and explain the coordination of osmoregulation.
* Explain the principles of cell signaling involved in the regulation of blood glucose by glucagon.
* Describe how blood glucose levels are controlled.
* Explain how test strips and biosensors measure glucose concentrations in blood and urine, including the roles of glucose oxidase and peroxidase enzymes.