Energy that is stored or inactive is

A. Negative feedback mechanisms are functioning normally: Negative feedback is the body’s primary way to maintain homeostasis by reversing changes. If these mechanisms are functioning normally, homeostatic imbalance would not occur.

B. It is considered the cause of most diseases: Homeostatic imbalance occurs when the body’s regulatory systems fail to maintain stability. This disruption underlies the development of many diseases, as the inability to restore balance leads to dysfunction and pathology.

C. Positive feedback mechanisms are overwhelmed: Positive feedback amplifies changes rather than stabilizing them. While uncontrolled positive feedback can contribute to imbalance, it is not the main principle behind most disease states.

D. The internal environment is becoming more stable: Stability of the internal environment defines homeostasis. When imbalance occurs, the internal environment is actually becoming less stable, which can progress to illness if not corrected.

A. Dorsal: The dorsal body cavity protects the central nervous system and is subdivided into the cranial cavity, which encloses the brain, and the vertebral cavity, which encloses the spinal cord. Together, these cavities provide rigid protection by surrounding nervous tissue with bone.

B. Ventral: The ventral cavity contains organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdominal viscera. It is not the primary cavity responsible for protecting the nervous system, as it mainly houses thoracic and abdominopelvic organs.

C. Vertebral: The vertebral cavity specifically encloses and protects the spinal cord. While it is part of the system that safeguards the nervous system, it is only one subdivision of the dorsal cavity rather than the overall cavity protecting the nervous system.

D. Thoracic: The thoracic cavity lies within the ventral body cavity and contains the lungs and heart. It is not associated with protection of the brain or spinal cord, so it does not serve the role of safeguarding the nervous system.

E. Cranial cavity: The cranial cavity encases and protects the brain. Like the vertebral cavity, it is part of the dorsal cavity, but it represents only one subdivision rather than the complete system of protection for the nervous system.