What organ system's general function is to control homeostasis?

Answer 1

In general, all organ systems work together in order to ensure that homeostasis is maintained. The definition of homeostasis is the maintenance of equilibrium of all the bodily functions, including temperature, fluid balance, etc. Breaking it down in brief, we have the heart which ensures that blood is pumped to the rest of the body to ensure there are adequate nutrients delivered and wastes removed, lungs which re-oxygenate blood and remove CO2, the kidneys which regulate salt-water balance, liver which purifies the blood and removes older blood cells, lymphatics to drain excess fluids and proteins which cannot reach the blood... the list is quite comprehensive! The function of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small and large intestine) is not necessarily homeostatic - be careful!-, as it is a primitive function that the maximum amount of energy be absorbed from foods (hence the "ease" at which one can become obese).

The control of homeostasis occurs at several points throughout the brain, the most notable been the hypothalamus, which regulates temperature, and medulla and pons, which regulate the rate of respiration, etc.

Hope this clears things up a little!