Positive feedback

Definition

Positive feedback amplifies changes or deviations in a system, leading to an enhanced or intensified output. It is less common in biological systems compared to negative feedback loops.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Positive feedback mechanisms are less common than negative feedback mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis.
2. Examples of positive feedback include the release of oxytocin during childbirth and the blood clotting cascade.
3. Positive feedback loops can lead to rapid and significant changes within the body.
4. Unlike negative feedback, positive feedback does not aim to stabilize but rather to push a process to completion.
5. In pharmacology, understanding positive feedback is crucial for comprehending drug actions that amplify physiological responses.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes positive feedback from negative feedback in biological systems?
• Can you provide an example where a positive feedback loop is beneficial in a medical context?
• Why are positive feedback mechanisms typically less common than negative feedback mechanisms?

Related terms

Negative Feedback Loop:

A mechanism that counteracts deviations from a set point, maintaining homeostasis.

Oxytocin:

A hormone that plays a role in childbirth and lactation, often involved in positive feedback loops.

Homeostasis:

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.