Which feedback mechanism is most commonly used to maintain homeostasis in the body?
Answer (2)
The correct answer is: Negative feedbackNegative feedback is the most common mechanism the body uses to maintain homeostasis, which refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. This type of feedback works by detecting a deviation from a set point and triggering a response that counteracts or reverses the change, bringing the condition back to normal.For example, consider body temperature regulation:The normal body temperature set point is around 37°C.If the body becomes too hot, sensors (receptors) in the skin and brain detect this change.The hypothalamus (control center) processes this information and sends signals to sweat glands (effectors).The sweat glands then produce sweat to cool the body down.Once the temperature returns to normal, the system stops the sweating response.This entire process is a classic example of negative feedback because the response (sweating) negates or opposes the change (overheating).Other examples include:Blood sugar regulation: When glucose levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose, lowering blood sugar.Blood pressure control: If pressure increases, blood vessels dilate and the heart rate decreases to bring pressure down.pH balance: Buffers in the blood help maintain a slightly basic pH (around 7.4). If pH becomes too acidic, mechanisms work to neutralize the excess acid.Negative feedback loops are essential for survival. Without them, the body would spiral into dangerous states. For instance, without negative feedback, high blood sugar would stay high indefinitely, leading to complications like diabetes. Or, without temperature regulation, your body could overheat or freeze, harming your organs.Thus, negative feedback is the body’s most reliable way to keep conditions stable and support life.
The most commonly used feedback mechanism to maintain homeostasis in the body is the negative feedback mechanism. Negative feedback works by reversing a change to keep the body’s internal environment stable.For example:If your body gets too hot, it sweats to cool down. If your blood sugar is too high, insulin lowers it back to normal.
