Homeostasis: Feedback Loops

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions despite external changes.

Front

What is a feedback loop?

Back

A feedback loop is a biological mechanism in which the output of a system influences its own operation, often to maintain homeostasis.

Front

What is a positive feedback loop?

Back

A positive feedback loop is a process in which the effects of a small disturbance amplify the disturbance, leading to an even greater change.

Front

What is a negative feedback loop?

Back

A negative feedback loop is a process that counteracts a change, returning the system to its set point or normal state.

Front

What role do hormones play in feedback loops?

Back

Hormones act as signaling molecules that communicate changes in the body and help regulate physiological processes in feedback loops.

Front

What is the stimulus in a feedback loop?

Back

The stimulus is the initial change or event that triggers a response in the feedback loop.

Front

What is the response in a feedback loop?

Back

The response is the action taken by the body to counteract or amplify the stimulus.

Front

How does a positive feedback loop differ from a negative feedback loop?

Back

A positive feedback loop amplifies changes, while a negative feedback loop reduces changes to maintain stability.

Front

Give an example of a positive feedback loop in the human body.

Back

An example of a positive feedback loop is blood clotting, where platelets release chemicals that attract more platelets to the site of injury.

Front

What happens when blood sugar levels are high?

Back

High blood sugar levels stimulate the release of insulin, which helps lower blood sugar by facilitating glucose uptake by cells.