Which term describes the immediate adjustment of the body's systems to maintain physiological equilibrium, which becomes harder with age?

• A. Allostasis
• B. Cohabitation
• C. Homeostasis
• D. Senescence

Answer: (C)

The main idea is the body's quick, automatic regulation to keep internal conditions stable. This is homeostasis—the immediate adjustments the body makes to maintain a steady state, like shivering to raise temperature in the cold or sweating to cool down when it’s hot. As we age, these regulatory responses often become slower or less effective, making it harder to keep that balance despite changing conditions. While allostasis involves maintaining stability through change over time and stress, and senescence refers to aging itself, homeostasis specifically describes the rapidRegulatory adjustments that keep the internal environment steady.