[Computer simulation of the activity of selected functional systems in the body during maintenance of homeostasis]

A computer with an appropriate software may greatly contribute to the understanding of relationships and interactions among physiological processes in the body and thus to influence the speed and effectiveness of learning. Presented computer model "The Internal Environment", briefly described in this paper, illustrates this fact. This model allows to simulate behavior of some functional systems in various experimental situations. The subsequent evaluation of the activity changes in these systems can help students to understand and interpret principles of the activity of the homeostatic mechanisms. That is why the computer simulation is an appropriate starting point at seminars where problems of the internal environment stability maintenance are to be discussed.