Negative Feedback and Homeostasis

by Emily Shaffer

The human body consists of homeostatically cultivated systems which are maintained by negative feedback mechanisms or negative feedback loops. In a negative feedback loop, any deviation from the normal functual state is opposed, or resisted. The deviation in the controlled value causes responses that bring the function of the organ or structure back to within the normal range. Negative feedback loops are composed of three important components: a receptor, a control center, and an effector. The receptor monitors internal conditions. Receptors sense changes in function and starts the body's homeostatic response.  Receptors are connected to a control center that combines the information it receives from the receptors.  The brain is the primary control center in many homeostatic systems. When the control receives information from the receptors concerning deviations from normal states, it sends signals to the effectors (via the nerves where the brain is the control center) in order to restore normal conditions. Effectors are various structures such as muscels and organs that receive signals from the control center.

Link: Breathing Patterns are an example of negative feedback and homeostasis.

References

http://science.jrank.org/pages/3364/Homeostasis-Negative-feedback.html

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