What term describes the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment?

The correct term that describes the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment is homeostasis. Homeostasis is a crucial physiological process that allows the body to regulate its internal conditions, such as temperature, pH levels, and fluid balance, despite changes in external environments. This regulation is vital for the optimal functioning of cells and organs, contributing to overall health and well-being.

For example, if the body gets too hot, mechanisms such as sweating and increased blood flow to the skin help cool it down. Conversely, if the body becomes too cold, shivering and reduced blood flow to the skin can help generate and retain heat. These processes are essential for survival and demonstrate the body's ability to adapt and respond to various challenges while maintaining a stable condition.

Hygiene pertains to cleanliness practices that prevent disease and promote health but does not directly relate to the body's internal regulation. Immunity refers to the body’s ability to resist infections and diseases, particularly through the immune system, and is more about defense mechanisms than internal stability. Metabolism is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that convert food into energy and is not specifically about maintaining internal balance.