Homeostasis

Overview

Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain internal stability despite external changes. One key mechanism that helps achieve this balance is through feedback loops. There are two main types of feedback loops: negative feedback and positive feedback. Negative feedback loops work to maintain a stable state by reversing any deviations from the set point. On the other hand, positive feedback loops amplify and reinforce changes, often leading to an increase in the deviation from the set point. Understanding these feedback loops is crucial in comprehending how our bodies regulate and maintain balance to ensure optimal functioning.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, students will be able to:

  • identify the four components of a homeostatic feedback control loop.
  • explain how a negative feedback loop works and give specific examples.
  • explain how a positive feedback loop works and give specific examples.

Video Review

Watch the video: Positive And Negative Feedback Loops – Negative Feedback Loops – Positive Feedback Loops (2 minutes)

Activities

These infographics will be helpful as you work through the activities.

Negative feedback loop
Figure 1.3.1. Negative feedback loop. In a negative feedback loop, a stimulus—a deviation from a set point—is resisted through a physiological process that returns the body to homeostasis. (a) A negative feedback loop has four basic parts. (b) Body temperature is regulated by negative feedback.

 

Positive feedback loop through labour
Figure 1.3.2. Positive feedback loop. Normal childbirth is driven by a positive feedback loop. A positive feedback loop results in a change in the body’s status, rather than a return to homeostasis.

 

Flash Cards

Question Sets

Review Questions
Case Study
Critical Thinking Questions

Chapter Attributions

This chapter by Elisabeth Kehrli and Anil Kapoor is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Media Attributions

Positive And Negative Feedback Loops – Negative Feedback Loops – Positive Feedback Loops by Whats Up Dude is licensed under the Standard YouTube license.

Interactive Activity Attributions

The interactive activities in this chapter are from Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology by University of Southern Queensland, and are licensed under a CC BY SA 4.0 license.

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Anatomy & Physiology: Review of Select Topics for Incoming Nursing Students Copyright © 2024 by Phoenix College Nursing is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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