Human Endocrine System - Negative Feedback (GCSE Biology)
Negative Feedback
Homeostasis and Negative Feedback
We have already looked at some examples of negative feedback but it is a key concept that must be understood.
- Negative feedback is a key part of homeostasis. When there is a change in the body’s internal environment, it is detected by receptors and the body’s protective mechanisms work to return this change back to the set point (the point at which the condition is at its optimum).
- The body counters the change, and hence this is negative feedback.
The endocrine system is a system of glands in the body that produce hormones and release them into the bloodstream to regulate various physiological functions.
Negative feedback is a regulatory mechanism in which the levels of a hormone in the bloodstream are regulated by the hormone itself. When the level of a hormone in the bloodstream is too high, it triggers the release of a different hormone that decreases its production.
When the level of a hormone in the bloodstream reaches a certain threshold, it triggers the release of a different hormone that signals the gland to stop producing the hormone. This maintains a balance of hormones in the bloodstream and prevents overproduction.
Examples of negative feedback in the endocrine system include the regulation of blood sugar levels by insulin and glucagon, the regulation of body temperature by thyroid hormone, and the regulation of growth and development by growth hormone.
The hypothalamus produces hormones that control the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, which then signals other glands to produce hormones. When the levels of these hormones reach a certain threshold, negative feedback signals are sent back to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to regulate their production.
Disruption of negative feedback can result in overproduction or underproduction of hormones, leading to various health problems such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and growth disorders.
Negative feedback can be restored in the endocrine system through medications or lifestyle changes that help to regulate hormone levels and promote balance in the body.
Positive feedback is a regulatory mechanism in which the production of a hormone is increased when its levels in the bloodstream are too low, while negative feedback decreases the production of a hormone when its levels in the bloodstream are too high.
Negative feedback is important for maintaining homeostasis in the body by regulating hormone levels and preventing overproduction or underproduction of hormones, which can lead to health problems.
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