Homeostatic Feedback Loops

Front

What is a homeostatic feedback loop?

Back

A biological mechanism that helps maintain internal stability in an organism by responding to changes in the environment.

Front

What is negative feedback?

Back

A process that counteracts a change in a physiological variable, helping to return the body to its set point.

Front

What is the primary purpose of negative feedback loops in the body?

Back

To maintain homeostasis.

Front

What happens to the body's internal environment when a negative feedback loop is activated?

Back

It returns to a set point.

Front

What is positive feedback?

Back

A process that amplifies a change in a physiological variable, moving the system away from its set point.

Front

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

Back

Childbirth, where the release of oxytocin increases contractions, leading to more oxytocin release.

Front

What role does shivering play in homeostasis?

Back

Shivering generates heat to increase body temperature when the environment gets cold.

Front

What is the term for the ability of an organism to maintain internal stability?

Back

Homeostatic state.

Front

How do feedback loops contribute to homeostasis?

Back

They detect changes and initiate responses to restore balance within the body.

Front

What is an example of a physiological variable that is regulated by negative feedback?

Back

Body temperature.