Feedback Loops

• Physiological processes are commonly moderated via two distinct feedback mechanisms: positive and negative feedback
• Homeostatic processes are controlled by negative feedback and are more common within the body
• Negative feedback involves a response that is the reverse of the change detected, functioning to reduce the change
• In negative feedback, a change is detected by a receptor, and an effector is activated to induce an opposite effect, promoting equilibrium
• Examples of processes that utilize negative feedback loops include:

  • Thermoregulation
  • Blood sugar regulation
  • Osmoregulation
• Example of a Negative Feedback Loop – Thermoregulation
• Positive feedback involves a response that reinforces the change detected, functioning to amplify the change
• In positive feedback, a change is detected by a receptor, and an effector is activated to induce the same effect, promoting further change
• Examples of processes that utilize positive feedback loops include:

  • Childbirth
  • Lactation
  • Ovulation
  • Blood clotting
• Example of a Positive Feedback Loop – Child Birth