Negative feedback loop

The biological definition of homeostasis is “the tendency of an organism or cell to regulate its internal environment and maintain equilibrium, usually by a system of feedback controls, so as to stabilize health and functioning”. Generally, the body is in homeostasis when it’s needs are met and it’s functioning properly.

negative feedback

Negative feedback and positive feedback loops for physiology

Definition of feedback in the Medical Dictionary by The Free Dictionary

The hypo­thal­a­mus releases the fol­low­ing Releas­ing Hor­mones that stim­u­late the release of dif­fer­ent hor­mones from the adenohypophysis: Cor­ti­cotropin Releas­ing Hor­mone (C.R.H. causes the release of ACTH) Thy­rotropin Releas­ing Hor­mone (T.R.H. causes the release of Thy­roid Stim­u­lat­ing Hor­mone aka Thyrotropin) Gonadotropin Releas­ing Hor­mone (GnRH releases LH and FSH.) Growth Hor­mone R.H. & Growth Hormone I.H. Pro­lactin R.H. & Pro­lactin … Continued

The main difference between positive and negative feedback loops is that the positive feedback loops amplify the initiating stimulus, moving the system away from its equilibrium whereas the negative feedback loops counteract the changes of the system, maintaining them in a set point.

The positive feedback loop works opposite to the negative feedback loop. It still contains the same primary components: receptor, integrator, and effector, but it enhances or amplifies whatever change is being detected by the receptor. An example of a positive feedback loop in the body includes childbirth. As you can see, receptors in the uterus sense stretching and send signals to the brain. The brain then signals the release of oxytocin and this stimulates the uterus to stretch even more.