Experiment – 08

Aim:
To demonstrate positive and negative feedback mechanism.
Reference:
“Principles of Anatomy and Physiology” by “Tortora Grabowski” “Bryan Derrikson” printed at Shree
Maitrey printech Pvt. Ltd., Noida, 15th edition 2017, page no. 573
Requirement:
Thermometer, glucometer.
Theory:
 Positive and negative feedback mechanisms are fundamental regulatory processes that help
maintain stability and balance in various biological systems.
 In both positive and negative feedback mechanisms, a stimulus triggers a response that feeds back
to the system, influencing subsequent activity.
 The key distinction lies in the direction of the response: amplification (positive feedback) or
opposing correction (negative feedback).
 The positive feedback can lead to rapid and often dramatic changes, negative feedback is more
commonly observed in biological systems due to its role in maintaining stability and preventing
extreme deviations from the norm.
1. Positive Feedback Mechanism:

 Positive feedback amplifies the initial stimulus or deviation from the desired state, leading to
further increases in the same direction.
 It supports and accelerates a process, often resulting in significant changes or outcomes.
 Positive feedback loops are less common in biological systems but play crucial roles in certain
physiological processes.
 Examples include blood clotting, childbirth contractions, and the release of hormones during
ovulation.

Figure : A diagram depicting a wounded Figure : A diagram depicting the formation

blood vessel with a damaged wall, where of a platelet plug in the wall of a damaged
platelets are attracted to the site of damage. blood vessel. The activated platelets release
factors that attract more platelets to the
site of damage.
Procedure:
Following steps are involved in the process of blood clotting –
a) Blood vessels are damaged due to injury
b) Platelets are attracted to the wound
c) Damaged blood vessels and the tissue surrounding the blood vessels express tissue factor,
thromboplastin.
d) Thromboplastin and Ca2+ convert Prothrombin (protein produced by the liver) to thrombin.
e) Thrombin converts fibrinogen (soluble in plasma) into insoluble fibrin.
f) Clot forms to prevent blood loss.

2. Negative Feedback Mechanism:

 Negative feedback opposes the initial change or disturbance, working to restore the system back to
its desired state or set point.
 It helps maintain stability and homeostasis by continuously monitoring and adjusting variables to
keep them within specific limits.
 Negative feedback loops are prevalent in biological systems and are involved in numerous
regulatory processes.
 Examples include body temperature regulation, glucose control by insulin, and the regulation of
hormone levels.
 Figure: Negative feedback regulation of the
secretion of the glucagon (blue arrows)
and insulin (brown arrows)

Result:
The positive and negative feedback mechanism for maintain homeostasis were studied.