Expert: Walter Hintz - 4/14/2010

Question
Hi Walter,
I have to write an essay about the topic above, i was just wondering if you could give me any tips and push me in the right direction to start??

Thankyou
Chloe

Answer
Hi Chloe
Feedback mechanisms aid in keeping the status quo in a system. They are necessary for life.  The maintain enzyme levels and all bodily functions. I will give you some examples here and you can investigate further.

  1. Thermoregulation. Set point for body temperature is 37.5 degrees C
   If Temp rises
      Perspiration causes skin temperature to cool resulting in heat loss. This is negative feedback
   If body temp goes down the result is shivering which generates heat
   Skin tightens (duck bumps)
   increased capillary circulation to skin  This is also negative feedback leading to return to the set point

  2. End product inhibition with female hormones
    Pituitary secretes FSH which stimulates Estrogen production from the ovaries When set point (level) of estrogen is reached it feeds back on the pituitary stopped the FSH production