Which component determines the set point in homeostasis?

Which component determines the set point in homeostasis?

• A. Control center
• B. Receptor
• C. Effector
• D. Afferent pathway

Answer: (A)

The set point in homeostasis is determined by the control center, which holds the desired value and compares incoming information from sensors to that value. For example, the hypothalamus acts as the control center for body temperature, aiming to keep it around 37°C. When receptors detect a deviation from this target, they send signals through the afferent pathways to the control center, which then decides the appropriate response and activates effectors to restore the set point—such as triggering sweating to cool down or shivering to raise temperature. The receptors’ job is to sense changes, not to set the target value, and the effector’s job is to carry out the corrective action once the control center has determined what’s needed.

The set point in homeostasis is determined by the control center, which holds the desired value and compares incoming information from sensors to that value. For example, the hypothalamus acts as the control center for body temperature, aiming to keep it around 37°C. When receptors detect a deviation from this target, they send signals through the afferent pathways to the control center, which then decides the appropriate response and activates effectors to restore the set point—such as triggering sweating to cool down or shivering to raise temperature. The receptors’ job is to sense changes, not to set the target value, and the effector’s job is to carry out the corrective action once the control center has determined what’s needed.