Negative Feedback

• What is negative feedback in control mechanisms?

  • A control mechanism that restores optimum levels
  • Involves a receptor, coordinating center, and effector
  • Works to correct deviations from a set point
• What is the first step in a negative feedback loop?

  A receptor detects a change in a stimulus
• What role does the coordinating center play in a feedback loop?

  It compares the stimulus to a set point
• What is the last step in a negative feedback loop?

  An effector produces a response to correct any difference from the set point
• What are the main components of a negative feedback loop?

  1. Receptor: detects changes in a stimulus
  2. Coordinating center: compares the stimulus to a set point
  3. Effector: produces a response to correct differences
• What is the control of body temperature an example of?

  A negative feedback mechanism
• What is negative feedback in the context of homeostasis?


  • A mechanism where changes to conditions cause an action to reverse the change
  • Used to keep conditions stable
• How does a negative feedback control system function?


  It responds when conditions change from the ideal set point and returns conditions to this set point
• What are the general stages in negative feedback?


  1. If the level of something rises, control systems reduce it
  2. If the level of something falls, control systems raise it
• What happens to the body when it gets too hot?


  The body begins to sweat to try to reduce the temperature
• What is the body's response when it gets too cold?


  The body begins to shiver to try to raise the temperature
• How is glucose concentration in the blood controlled?

  By negative feedback mechanisms