Topic 2: Describe positive and

negative feedback mechanisms

Learning objectives
1.1 Describe in general terms how an animal maintains homeostasis

2.2 Distinguish between positive and negative feedback mechanisms

2.3 Provide examples to explain the role of different body systems to maintain homeostasis

2.4 Describe how the human body maintains thermal homeostasis through shivering and sweating

2.5 Predict, using a given diagram, the response or system change that will be produced by a positive
feedback mechanism

2.6 Explain positive feedback mechanisms using the example of lactation in mammals and onset of labor
1.1 Describe in general terms how an animal maintains homeostasis

• Homeostasis is a state of balance among all the body systems needed

for the body to survive and function correctly.

• Animals maintain homeostasis in many ways. For example, organisms

regulate their water levels by consuming water in their environment
and excreting it as urine. They regulate acidity in the bloodstream by
adjusting breathing.
2.2 Distinguish between positive and negative feedback mechanisms

• Positive feedback loops enhance or amplify changes; this tends to

move a system away from its equilibrium state and make it more
unstable.

• Negative feedbacks tend to hold a system to some equilibrium state

making it more stable.
2.3 Provide examples to explain the role of different body systems to
maintain homeostasis
2.4 Describe how the human body maintains thermal homeostasis
through shivering and sweating
The role of the endocrine system in maintaining homeostasis

https://www.albert.io/blog/positive-negative-feedback-loops-biology/
2.5 Predict, using a given diagram, the response or system change that will be
produced by a positive feedback mechanism
2.6 Explain positive feedback mechanisms using the example of lactation in
mammals and onset of labor

• The suckling action of an infant produces prolactin, which leads to

milk production; more suckling leads to more prolactin, which in turn
leads to more lactation. This is a positive feedback system as the
product (milk) produces more suckling and more hormone.

• The release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland during

labor is an example of positive feedback mechanism. Oxytocin
stimulates the muscle contractions that push the baby through the birth
canal. The release of oxytocin result in stronger or augmented
contractions during labor.