gen-define-negative-feedback-in-homeostasis-and-give-one-short-w-7456

Define negative feedback in homeostasis and give one short worked example.

# Negative Feedback in Homeostasis **Definition:** Negative feedback is a regulatory mechanism where a change in a physiological variable triggers a response that counteracts the initial change, returning the system to its set point (normal range). ## Key Components: - **Stimulus** → **Detector** → **Control Center** → **Effector** → **Response** (opposes stimulus) --- ## Worked Example: Blood Glucose Regulation **Normal range:** ~70-100 mg/dL ### Scenario: Blood glucose rises after eating 1. **Stimulus:** Blood glucose increases to 140 mg/dL 2. **Detector:** Pancreatic beta cells detect high glucose 3. **Control Center:** Beta cells in the pancreas 4. **Effector:** Insulin released into bloodstream 5. **Response:** - Cells take up more glucose - Liver stores glucose as glycogen - Blood glucose **decreases** back to ~90 mg/dL **Result:** The response (lowering glucose) is *opposite* to the initial change (rising glucose), hence "negative" feedback. --- The system self-corrects and maintains homeostasis through this opposing action.