feedback mechanism essay

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Feedback Mechanism Loop: Definition, Types, Examples

The feedback mechanism is the physiological regulatory system in a living body that works to return the body to the normal internal state or homeostasis.

These mechanisms are also found in nature in different ecosystems and animal groups.
The feedback mechanism in the living system occurs in the form of a loop which assists in the maintenance of homeostasis.
The feedback mechanism is activated as a result of the change in the system that triggers an output.
The biochemical control system in living beings is composed of various components like molecules, genes, and regulatory interactions of such components.
The interaction between the components can be designated as positive when the activation of a component leads to the activation of another. It is designated negative if the activation of a component leads to the deactivation of another.
The concept of feedback mechanism was initially introduced in cybernetics to describe the ability of a control system to modify its output as a response to the input.
In living systems, feedback mechanisms or feedback loops works to bring the body towards homeostasis by either amplifying a specific biological pathway or function or by inhibiting it.
The most important function of the feedback mechanism in any system is to bring the state of the body into a stable state.
The feedback mechanism consists of three distinct components; control center, detector, and effector.
The control center is the ‘brain’ of the system that determines the extremes within which the variable factor should lie.
The detector or sensor receives the input and integrates the incoming information in order to transmit it to the control center.
Based on the incoming signals, the control center determines if an adjustment is needed and sends the signal to the effector.
The effector receives the output and results in an appropriate change to maintain the variable factor within its limit.
The feedback mechanism is a dynamic process that makes changes continuously to adjust various physiological parameters.

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Feedback Mechanism Loop Types

Feedback mechanisms are of two types, depending on the changes in the input or the deviation of the physiological parameters from their limits. Even though these mechanisms are different in their reactions to changes in variables, the components of the loop are similar.

Image Source: OpenStax .

Positive Feedback Mechanism Loop

Definition of positive feedback mechanism.

A positive feedback mechanism, as the name suggests, is a pathway that in response to a deviation in the output causes the output to change even more in the direction of the initial deviation.
A positive feedback mechanism amplifies the deviations and brings state changes to the output.
Positive feedback mechanisms are far less common than negative feedback mechanisms as it moves the body away from homeostasis.
The process of positive feedback mechanism progressively amplifies the response as long as the stimulus is continued.
The positive feedback loop can consist of either a single component that activates its own activity or several components with direct and indirect interactions.
Positive feedback loops in biological processes are often observed in processes that need to occur quickly and towards completion as the output tends to increase the effect of the stimulus.
Positive mechanisms are very few within living systems like the human body, but these can also be observed in the ecosystem, like in the case of ripening of fruit.

Steps / Process / Mechanism of Positive Feedback Mechanism

The process of a positive feedback loop consists of a control system that consists of various components, working in a circular pathway to stimulate or inhibit one another. The overall process can be described in terms of the components of the system.

1. Stimulation

The first step in the positive feedback loop is the stimulation that sets off the loop in order to complete a process.
The stimuli in the human body are mostly hormones released by different organs as a result of the initiation of a process.
An example of a stimulus that initiates a positive feedback mechanism is the contraction during childbirth.

2. Reception

The second step in the loop is the reception of the stimuli through different sensors that send the information to the control unit.
These receptors are mostly nerves that send the signal from the site of stimulus to the control unit, which in humans is the brain.

3. Processing

The next step in the loop is the processing of information sent to the control unit by the receptors.
The control unit tallies the information to check if the stimulus is outside the normal range of the value and presents an output.
In the case of childbirth, the brain receives information about the contractions in the uterine wall and then stimulates the secretion of the hormone oxytocin by the pituitary gland.

4. Further activation of the stimuli

The information from the brain is sent to the site of action via different nerves in order to induce an output in response to the stimulus.
In the case of the positive feedback loop, the signals from the brain tend to activate the stimulus even further in the direction of deviation.
The stimulation of the pituitary gland to release oxytocin, which further increases the contractions of muscles in the uterine wall during childbirth is an example of this process.

Examples of Positive Feedback Mechanism

1. menstrual cycle.

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the ovaries release the hormone estrogen. The estrogen acts as a stimulus for the positive feedback loop.
The information is sent to the brain, which then stimulates the release of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus and luteinizing hormone from the pituitary.
These hormones are released as a response to the stimulus by the control unit. These hormones further cause the release of estrogen by the ovaries, and the loop continues until the levels of these hormones increases enough to induce the release of follicle-stimulating hormone.
The release of follicle-stimulating hormone finally results in ovulation, and eventually, the menstrual cycle begins.
This is an example of a positive feedback mechanism as the increase in one factor induces the movement of the output in the same direction until the task is completed.

2. Childbirth

Figure: Normal childbirth is driven by a positive feedback loop. A positive feedback loop results in a change in the body’s status, rather than a return to homeostasis. Image Source: OpenStax .

Positive feedback mechanism in humans is also observed during childbirth which is induced by the pressing of the ovarian wall by the baby.
The pressing sensation is passed to the brain via different nerves, and in response, the brain stimulates the pituitary to produce oxytocin.
Oxytocin is responsible for the contractions of the uterine muscles which cause the movement of the fetus towards the cervix, further increasing the stimulus.
The positive feedback loop continues until the baby is born.

Negative Feedback Mechanism Loop

Definition of negative feedback mechanism.

A negative feedback mechanism or loop is a pathway stimulated by the deviation in the output, which causes changes in output to the direction opposite to the initial deviation.
The negative feedback mechanism moves the variable factors towards the stable state or homeostasis after the control unit interprets the extent of the deviation.
Negative feedback loops are more common than positive ones as they tend to stabilize the system.
The loop detects the change in output and acts in the opposite direction to nullify the stimulus causing the change.
These loops are activated under two conditions; when the value of the variable is above the normal value and has to be brought down and when the value of the variable is below the normal values and has to be brought up.
Negative feedback mechanisms occur as a part of homeostasis to bring the variables back to their normal levels by counteracting the stimulus, causing the deviation in the first place.
Like in a positive feedback mechanism, a negative feedback mechanism also contains different components that together help to maintain a stable state.

Steps / Process / Mechanism of Negative Feedback Mechanism

The process of negative feedback mechanism is similar to the positive feedback loop as the process is activated by stimuli, which eventually leads to changes that tend to nullify those stimuli. The overall process can be described as below:

The first step of the negative feedback loop is the generation of stimuli as a result of the deviation of physiological parameters from the normal value. The deviation of physiological parameters can occur at either extreme.
The deviation might either require the activation or inhibition of different physiological activities of the body to maintain the normal state.
The most common and easily understood stimulus is the change in body temperature away from the normal limit.
The changes in the physiological parameters are received by the control unit via different receptors present in different parts of the body.
Some of the common receptors involved in the transmission of stimulus include nerves and other thermoreceptors.
The control unit of the loop is the brain which first determines if the change in the physiological parameter requires activation of inhibition of the loop.
Depending on the direction of deviation, the brain sends out signals to undo the changes via different mechanisms.
In the case of changes in body temperature, the group of cells in the hypothalamus of the brain acts as the control unit.

4. Counteract on the stimulus

As the final step of the loop, the control unit sends out signals to nullify the effects causing changes in the physiological factors.
The changes can be of different types and directed towards different parts of the body. The information is sent to different organs via the nervous system.
In the case of a decrease in body temperature, the hypothalamus sends out signals resulting in shivering, constriction of blood vessels, and behavioral changes like curling up.
These activities result in an increase in body temperature, which then inhibits the loop, and the process is complete until the body temperature decreases again.

Examples of Negative Feedback Mechanism

1. regulation of blood glucose level.

The level of glucose in the blood is controlled by a negative feedback mechanism.
If the blood glucose level increases beyond the normal range, more glucose is absorbed in the intestine and stored in the form of glycogen in the liver.
The conversion and conservation are controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. The hormone insulin stimulates the muscles and liver to uptake the glucose.
If the blood glucose level decreases and more glucose is required in the blood, the release of insulin is inhibited, reducing the absorption of blood glucose.

Regulation of blood glucose level- Negative Feedback Mechanism

Figure: Regulation of blood glucose level. Image Source: OpenStax .

2. Temperature regulation

Regulation of body temperature by endotherms is another classic example of a negative feedback mechanism in the human body.
When the temperature of the body increases beyond normal, the brain signals different organs of the body like the skin to release heat in the form of sweat.
These physiological activities eventually the temperature to drop down to a point where the pathways of the negative feedback mechanism shut down.
A similar process occurs if the body temperature increases beyond the normal value in order to maintain homeostasis.

Temperature regulation- Negative Feedback Mechanism

Figure: In a negative feedback loop, a stimulus—a deviation from a set point—is resisted through a physiological process that returns the body to homeostasis. (a) A negative feedback loop has four basic parts. (b) Body temperature is regulated by negative feedback. Image Source: OpenStax .

Applications of Feedback mechanism

Feedback mechanism has applications in different systems and areas for different purposes.

In biology, feedback mechanisms are involved in the maintenance of homeostasis in organisms as well as ecosystems. Both positive and negative feedback mechanisms are involved in homeostasis, but negative feedback mechanism is more common.
The feedback mechanism is utilized in mathematics and dynamic systems to alter the behavior of different systems as per the need of the application.
Different studies on climate science have been performed by the use of positive and negative feedback mechanisms to observe the effect on the atmosphere, ocean, and land.
The most common application of feedback mechanism is in electronic engineering where the mechanism is used in components like amplifiers, oscillators, and logic circuits.

Positive vs. Negative Feedback Loop (8 Key Differences)


	The positive feedback mechanism is a pathway that in response to a deviation in the output causes the output to change even more in the direction of the initial deviation.	A negative feedback mechanism or loop is a pathway stimulated by the deviation in the output, which causes changes in output to the direction opposite to the initial deviation.
	A positive feedback mechanism breaks down the homeostasis system of the body.	A negative feedback mechanism works to maintain the conditions of homeostasis in the body.
	The positive feedback mechanism is less common and occurs in specific situations.	The negative feedback mechanism is more common and occurs in different organs and systems in the body.
	The positive feedback mechanism is less stable.	The negative feedback mechanism is more stable.
	In a system with a positive feedback mechanism, the effective input is increased by the addition of actual input with the feedback signal.	In a system with a negative feedback mechanism, the effective input is decreased as the feedback signal inhibits the actual input.
	A positive feedback mechanism might require an external interruption.	A negative feedback mechanism doesn’t require an external interruption.
	It enhances the change in physiological factors.	It resists changes in physiological factors.
	Positive feedback mechanism in nature is observed during childbirth in humans and during the ripening of fruits.	The negative feedback mechanism is observed during thermoregulation and maintaining the blood glucose level.

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Feedback Mechanism Definition

What is a feedback mechanism? A feedback mechanism is a physiological regulation system in a living body that works to return the body to its normal internal state, or commonly known as homeostasis . In nature, feedback mechanisms can be found in a variety of environments and animal types. In a living system, the feedback mechanism takes the shape of a loop, which aids in maintaining homeostasis.

The feedback mechanism is triggered when the system undergoes a change that causes an output. The biochemical control system in living beings is made up of a variety of components, including chemicals, genes, and their regulatory connections.

When the activation of one component leads to the activation of another, the interaction between the components is said to be positive . If the activation of one component results in the inactivation of another, it is labeled as negative .

The term “feedback mechanism” was first used in cybernetics to characterize a control system’s ability to change its output in response to an input.

There are two types of feedback mechanisms; these are positive and negative feedback mechanisms.

Open and Closed-Loop Feedback Mechanisms

Homeostasis is often achieved in the body through the use of feedback loops that regulate the body’s internal circumstances. A feedback loop is a system that uses an identified receptor (sensor), the control center (integrator or comparator), effectors , and communication means to control the level of a variable.

Communication methods between the components of a feedback loop are required for it to function. This is usually accomplished through nerves or hormones, but in some circumstances, receptors and control centers are the same structures; therefore, these signaling mechanisms are not required in that phase of the loop.

The three common components of a feedback loop are the receptor (sensor), the control center (integrator or comparator), and effectors. A sensor, or commonly known as a receptor, detects and transmits a physiological value to the control center. The value is compared to the typical range by the control center. If the value deviates significantly from the setpoint, the control system stimulates an effector. A change is caused by an effector, which causes the situation to be reversed and the value to return to its normal range.

Feedback loops are commonly divided into two main types; opened-loop mechanism and closed-loop mechanism.

1. Positive feedback loops occur when a change in one direction is followed by another change in the same direction. A sensor, or commonly known as a receptor, detects and transmits a physiological value to the control center. Positive feedback loop examples can result in uncontrolled conditions since a change in an input generates reactions that cause further modifications in the same manner. Even if the components of a loop (receptor, control center, and effector) are not immediately recognizable, the term “positive feedback” is widely accepted when a variable has the ability to increase itself. Positive feedback is often damaging, however, there are a few occasions where it can help people function normally when used in moderation.

2. Negative feedback loops occur when a change in one direction produces a change in the other. For instance, a rise in a substance’s concentrations produces feedback, which causes the substance’s content to reduce. Negative feedback loops are mechanisms that seem to be naturally stable. When combined with the many stimuli that can affect a variable, negative feedback loops usually result in the value oscillating about the set point. Negative feedback loop examples include temperature and blood glucose level regulation.

READ: Sugar Homeostasis – Biology Tutorial

Feedback Mechanism Types

There are two types of feedback mechanisms, depending on whether the input changes or the physiological parameters deviate from their limits. Although the reactions of various processes to changes in variables varied, the loop’s components are similar.

I. Positive feedback mechanism

A positive feedback mechanism involves more stimulation or the acceleration of the process. Let’s find more about it below.

Positive feedback mechanism definition

What is a positive feedback mechanism? As the name implies, a positive feedback mechanism or positive feedback homeostasis is a pathway that, in response to an output variation, causes the output to vary even more in the direction of the initial deviation. A positive feedback system amplifies deviations and causes output state changes. Because it moves the body away from homeostasis, positive feedback mechanisms are significantly less common than negative feedback mechanisms. As long as the stimulus (example: the presence of the stimulant) is maintained, the positive feedback system gradually increases the reaction. A single component that activates its own activity or numerous components with direct and indirect interactions might make up a positive feedback loop. Positive feedback loops in biological processes are common in processes that need to happen fast and efficiently, as the output tends to magnify the stimulus’ influence. Positive mechanisms are rare in living systems such as the human body, but they can be found in the environment, such as in the instance of fruit ripening.

Steps / Process / Mechanism of positive feedback mechanism

Stimulation . The stimulation that initiates the positive feedback loop in order to complete a process is the initial step. Hormones released by various organs as a result of the start of a process are the most common stimuli in the human body.
Reception . The second step in the loop is the reception of stimuli via various sensors, which provide data to the control unit. These receptors are mostly nerves that transmit signals from the stimulus location to the control unit, which is the brain in humans.
Processing . The processing of information supplied to the control unit by the receptors is the next phase in the loop. The control unit tallies the data and displays an output if the stimulus is outside the typical range of the value.
Stimuli are activated even more . In order to induce an output in response to the stimulus, information from the brain is conveyed to the location of action via several nerves. The brain’s messages tend to activate the stimulus even more in the direction of deviation in the case of a positive feedback loop.

Positive feedback mechanism examples

Blood Clotting

When a wound creates bleeding, the body responds by clotting the blood and preventing blood loss through a positive feedback loop. The wounded blood vessel wall releases substances that start the clotting process. Platelets in the blood begin to adhere to the wounded area and produce substances that attract more platelets. As the platelets continue to accumulate, more chemicals are released, and more platelets are drawn to the clot location. The clotting process is accelerated by the positive feedback until the clot is large enough to halt the bleeding.

In humans, a positive feedback mechanism is noticed during childbirth, which is caused by the baby pressing against the ovary wall. The brain receives the pushing feeling via several nerves, and the pituitary is stimulated to generate oxytocin in response. The oxytocin feedback loop is responsible for uterine muscle contractions, which cause the fetus to come closer to the cervix, thereby increasing the stimulation. Until the baby is born, the positive feedback loop continues.

The positive feedback loop that regulates childbirth is seen in the diagram above. When the infant’s head bumps up against the cervix, the procedure usually starts. Nerve impulses flow from the cervix to the hypothalamus in the brain as a result of this stimulation. The hypothalamus responds by sending the hormone oxytocin to the pituitary gland, which secretes it into the bloodstream to reach the uterus. Oxytocin causes uterine contractions to increase, pushing the baby closer to the cervix. As a result, the cervix begins to dilate in preparation for the baby’s passage. Increased levels of oxytocin, stronger uterine contractions, and wider cervix dilatation continue this cycle of positive feedback until the baby is pushed through the delivery canal and out of the body. The cervix is no longer stimulated to send nerve impulses to the brain at this stage, and the entire process comes to a halt.

Menstrual cycle

The hormone estrogen is released by the ovaries at the start of the menstrual cycle. The estrogen operates as a positive feedback loop stimulation. The information is delivered to the brain, which prompts the hypothalamus to release gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone. The control unit releases these hormones in response to the stimulation. These hormones then cause the ovaries to release estrogen, and the cycle repeats itself until the levels of these hormones are high enough to trigger the release of follicle-stimulating hormone. After the release of follicle-stimulating hormone, ovulation occurs, and the menstrual cycle begins. The rise in one element causes the output to move in the same direction until the task is done, which is an example of a positive feedback process.

Fruit Ripening

A tree or bush will suddenly ripen all of its fruit or vegetables without any visible warning, which is a startling event in nature. This is the first time a positive biological feedback loop has been observed in action. In the flash of an eye, an apple tree with many apples appears to go from unripe to ripe to overripe. This will start with the very first ripe apple. When fully ripe, it emits the gas ethylene (C2H4) via its skin. When apples are exposed to this gas, they ripen as well. They, too, generate ethylene once ripe, which continues to ripen the rest of the tree in a wave-like action. This feedback loop is commonly utilized in the fruit industry, with apples being exposed to ethylene gas to increase ripening.

II. Negative feedback mechanism

Let’s take a look now at the negative feedback mechanism, particularly its steps (mechanisms) and examples.

Negative feedback mechanism definition

What is a negative feedback mechanism? A negative feedback mechanism, often known as negative feedback homeostasis, is a pathway that is triggered by a deviation in output and produces changes in output in the opposite direction of the initial deviation. After the control unit analyzes the magnitude of the deviation, the negative feedback mechanism drives the variable factors towards a stable state or homeostasis. Positive feedback loops are less prevalent than negative feedback loops because negative feedback loops tend to stabilize the system.

Steps in a negative feedback mechanism

The negative feedback system works in a similar way to the positive feedback loop in that it is activated by stimuli and eventually leads to modifications that tend to cancel out those impulses. The following is a summary of the overall procedure:

Stimulation . The development of stimuli as a result of physiological parameter deviations from the normal value is the initial stage in the negative feedback loop. Physiological parameters can deviate from the norm in either direction.
Reception . The control unit receives changes in physiological parameters through a variety of receptors located throughout the body. Nerves and other thermoreceptors are examples of common receptors engaged in stimulus transmission.
Processing . The brain serves as the loop’s control unit, determining whether a change in a physiological parameter necessitates loop activation or inhibition. The brain sends out signals to erase the alterations in different ways depending on the direction of departure.
Counteract on the stimulus . The control unit sends out signals at the end of the loop to cancel out the impacts that cause changes in physiological variables. Changes can take several forms and be directed at different sections of the body.

Examples of negative feedback

Regulating Temperature

A typical example of a negative feedback mechanism in the human body is the regulation of body temperature via endotherms. When the body’s temperature rises above normal, the brain sends signals to various organs, including the skin, to release heat in the form of sweat. These physiological actions cause the temperature to drop to the point where the negative feedback mechanism’s pathways are shut down. When the body temperature rises above its typical level in order to preserve homeostasis, a similar mechanism happens.

Regulating Blood Glucose Level

A negative feedback mechanism regulates the concentration of glucose in the blood. More glucose is absorbed in the gut and stored in the form of glycogen in the liver when blood glucose levels rise above the usual range. Insulin secretion from the pancreas is in charge of conversion and conservation. Insulin encourages glucose absorption in the muscles and liver. When blood glucose levels drop and more glucose is needed in the blood, insulin release is suppressed, which reduces blood glucose absorption.

Positive vs. Negative Feedback Mechanism

Here is a summary of the differences between a positive feedback mechanism and a negative feedback mechanism.

Table 1: Difference between positive and negative feedback based on specific criteria
	Positive Feedback Mechanism	Negative Feedback Mechanism
Result	Expansion or amplification of the output	A process is inhibited or slowed down.
Occurrence	Less frequent mechanism	More frequent mechanism
Effects on Stimulus	Increases productivity by bolstering the stimulus.	Decreases productivity by reducing the stimulus.
Stability	Less stable	More stable
Practical Examples	Blood clotting, Fruit ripening, Childbirth in mammals, Menstrual cycle	Temperature Regulation, Blood glucose level regulation

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Biga, L.,Dawson, S.,Harwell A.,Hopkins, R.,Kaufmann J.,LeMaster, M.,Matern, P.,Graham K., Quick, D. and Runyeon, J. (2021). Anatomy and Physiology. Retrieved from https://open.oregonstate.education/aandp/chapter/1-3-homeostasis/
Lumen Learning. (2019). Homeostasis from Boundless Anatomy and Physiology. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-ap/chapter/homeostasis/
Kahn Academy (2019) Homeostasis. In Human Body Systems. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-human-body-systems/hs-body-structure-and-homeostasis/a/homeostasis
Torday, J. S. (2021). “Homeostasis as the Mechanism of Evolution.” Biology vol. 4,3 573-90. doi:10.3390/biology4030573
Wakim, S. and Grewal, M. (2021). Homeostasis and Feedback. Retrieved from https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Human_Biology/Book%3A_Human_Biology_(Wakim_and_Grewal)/10%3A_Introduction_to_the_Human_Body/10.7%3A_Homeostasis_and_Feedback

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Last updated on June 16th, 2022

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Feedback Mechanism: What Are Positive And Negative Feedback Mechanisms?

What are feedback mechanisms, positive feedback mechanism, example of positive feedback, negative feedback mechanism, example of negative feedback, the two mechanisms work to establish homeostasis.

A positive feedback mechanism is one where the body uses the effect of a particular action/task to perform more of the same behavior. A negative feedback mechanism is one where the body uses the effect of a particular action/task to stop that behavior.

The body uses feedback mechanisms to monitor and maintain our physiological activities. There are 2 types of feedback mechanisms – positive and negative. Positive feedback is like praising a person for a task they do. Negative feedback is like reprimanding a person. It discourages them from performing the said task.

The human body is like any other system. It carries out a myriad of functions, and like any functioning entity, it needs a way of maintaining balance. This balance is called homeostasis . Our body employs certain methods with which it keeps a measure of how well our systems are functioning. Any imbalance is corrected as soon as possible so the system is returned to a balanced state.

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1.5 Homeostasis

Learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Discuss the role of homeostasis in healthy functioning
Contrast negative and positive feedback, giving one physiologic example of each mechanism

Maintaining homeostasis requires that the body continuously monitor its internal conditions. From body temperature to blood pressure to levels of certain nutrients, each physiological condition has a particular set point. A set point is the physiological value around which the normal range fluctuates. A normal range is the restricted set of values that is optimally healthful and stable. For example, the set point for normal human body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) Physiological parameters, such as body temperature and blood pressure, tend to fluctuate within a normal range a few degrees above and below that point. Control centers in the brain and other parts of the body monitor and react to deviations from homeostasis using negative feedback. Negative feedback is a mechanism that reverses a deviation from the set point. Therefore, negative feedback maintains body parameters within their normal range. The maintenance of homeostasis by negative feedback goes on throughout the body at all times, and an understanding of negative feedback is thus fundamental to an understanding of human physiology.

Negative Feedback

A negative feedback system has three basic components ( Figure 1.10 a ). A sensor , also referred to a receptor, is a component of a feedback system that monitors a physiological value. This value is reported to the control center. The control center is the component in a feedback system that compares the value to the normal range. If the value deviates too much from the set point, then the control center activates an effector. An effector is the component in a feedback system that causes a change to reverse the situation and return the value to the normal range.

In order to set the system in motion, a stimulus must drive a physiological parameter beyond its normal range (that is, beyond homeostasis). This stimulus is “heard” by a specific sensor. For example, in the control of blood glucose, specific endocrine cells in the pancreas detect excess glucose (the stimulus) in the bloodstream. These pancreatic beta cells respond to the increased level of blood glucose by releasing the hormone insulin into the bloodstream. The insulin signals skeletal muscle fibers, fat cells (adipocytes), and liver cells to take up the excess glucose, removing it from the bloodstream. As glucose concentration in the bloodstream drops, the decrease in concentration—the actual negative feedback—is detected by pancreatic alpha cells, and insulin release stops. This prevents blood sugar levels from continuing to drop below the normal range.

Humans have a similar temperature regulation feedback system that works by promoting either heat loss or heat gain ( Figure 1.10 b ). When the brain’s temperature regulation center receives data from the sensors indicating that the body’s temperature exceeds its normal range, it stimulates a cluster of brain cells referred to as the “heat-loss center.” This stimulation has three major effects:

Blood vessels in the skin begin to dilate allowing more blood from the body core to flow to the surface of the skin allowing the heat to radiate into the environment.
As blood flow to the skin increases, sweat glands are activated to increase their output. As the sweat evaporates from the skin surface into the surrounding air, it takes heat with it.
The depth of respiration increases, and a person may breathe through an open mouth instead of through the nasal passageways. This further increases heat loss from the lungs.

In contrast, activation of the brain’s heat-gain center by exposure to cold reduces blood flow to the skin, and blood returning from the limbs is diverted into a network of deep veins. This arrangement traps heat closer to the body core and restricts heat loss. If heat loss is severe, the brain triggers an increase in random signals to skeletal muscles, causing them to contract and producing shivering. The muscle contractions of shivering release heat while using up ATP. The brain triggers the thyroid gland in the endocrine system to release thyroid hormone, which increases metabolic activity and heat production in cells throughout the body. The brain also signals the adrenal glands to release epinephrine (adrenaline), a hormone that causes the breakdown of glycogen into glucose, which can be used as an energy source. The breakdown of glycogen into glucose also results in increased metabolism and heat production.

Interactive Link

Water concentration in the body is critical for proper functioning. A person’s body retains very tight control on water levels without conscious control by the person. Watch this video to learn more about water concentration in the body. Which organ has primary control over the amount of water in the body?

Positive Feedback

Positive feedback intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition rather than reversing it. A deviation from the normal range results in more change, and the system moves farther away from the normal range. Positive feedback in the body is normal only when there is a definite end point. Childbirth and the body’s response to blood loss are two examples of positive feedback loops that are normal but are activated only when needed.

Childbirth at full term is an example of a situation in which the maintenance of the existing body state is not desired. Enormous changes in the mother’s body are required to expel the baby at the end of pregnancy. And the events of childbirth, once begun, must progress rapidly to a conclusion or the life of the mother and the baby are at risk. The extreme muscular work of labor and delivery are the result of a positive feedback system ( Figure 1.11 ).

The first contractions of labor (the stimulus) push the baby toward the cervix (the lowest part of the uterus). The cervix contains stretch-sensitive nerve cells that monitor the degree of stretching (the sensors). These nerve cells send messages to the brain, which in turn causes the pituitary gland at the base of the brain to release the hormone oxytocin into the bloodstream. Oxytocin causes stronger contractions of the smooth muscles in of the uterus (the effectors), pushing the baby further down the birth canal. This causes even greater stretching of the cervix. The cycle of stretching, oxytocin release, and increasingly more forceful contractions stops only when the baby is born. At this point, the stretching of the cervix halts, stopping the release of oxytocin.

A second example of positive feedback centers on reversing extreme damage to the body. Following a penetrating wound, the most immediate threat is excessive blood loss. Less blood circulating means reduced blood pressure and reduced perfusion (penetration of blood) to the brain and other vital organs. If perfusion is severely reduced, vital organs will shut down and the person will die. The body responds to this potential catastrophe by releasing substances in the injured blood vessel wall that begin the process of blood clotting. As each step of clotting occurs, it stimulates the release of more clotting substances. This accelerates the processes of clotting and sealing off the damaged area. Clotting is contained in a local area based on the tightly controlled availability of clotting proteins. This is an adaptive, life-saving cascade of events.

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Positive and Negative Feedback Loops in Biology

The Albert Team
Last Updated On: May 10, 2023

Feedback is defined as the information gained about a reaction to a product, which then enables the modification of the product. Feedback loops are the process where a change to the system results in an alarm that triggers a certain result. This result will either increase the change to the system or reduce it to bring the system back to normal. A few questions remain: How do these systems work? What is positive feedback? What is negative feedback? Where do we find these systems in nature? In this post, we will cover positive and negative feedback loops with examples of each.

What We Review

Feedback Loops

Biological systems operate on a mechanism of inputs and outputs, each caused by and causing a certain event. A feedback loop is a biological occurrence where the output of a system amplifies the system (positive feedback) or inhibits the system (negative feedback). Feedback loops are important because they allow living organisms to maintain homeostasis . Homeostasis enables us to keep our internal environment relatively constant – not too hot, or too cold, not too hungry or tired. The level of energy that an organism needs to maintain homeostasis depends on the type of organism, as well as the environment it inhabits.

Positive and Negative Feedback in Individuals

Consider a cold-blooded fish that keeps its temperature at the same level as the water around it. This fish doesn’t need to control its internal temperature. Compare this to a warm-blooded whale in the same environment. It needs to keep its body temperature higher than the water around it, so it will expend more energy in temperature regulation.

This is a difference between ectotherms and endotherms : an ectotherm uses the environmental temperature to control its internal temperature (e.g. reptiles, amphibians, and fish), whereas an endotherm uses homeostasis to maintain its internal temperature. Endotherms can maintain their metabolism at a constant rate, allowing constant movement, reaction, and internal processes, whereas ectotherms cannot maintain their metabolism at a constant rate. This means that their movement, reaction, and internal processes are dependent on adequate external heat, but it also means that they require less energy in the form of food, as their bodies are not constantly burning fuel.

Positive and Negative Feedback Loops in Ecosystems

Feedback loops can also occur to a larger degree: at the ecosystem level, a form of homeostasis is maintained. A good example of this is in the cycle of predator and prey populations: a boom in prey populations will mean more food for predators, which will increase predator numbers. This will then lead to over-predation, and the prey population will again decline. The predator population will decline in response, releasing pressure on the prey population and allowing it to bounce back.

Another example is what is known as the “evolutionary arms race,” wherein a predator and its prey are continually trying to out-compete each other. One such relationship is that of nectarivorous birds and the flowers on which they feed. The birds evolve long beaks to gain access to the nectar within the flower. In response, the flower develops a longer and longer trumpet-like shape, in an attempt at preventing the bird from getting to the nectar. The bird responds by developing an even longer beak. And so it continues.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Figure 1: The population trends of predator and prey.

Positive Feedback Loops

A positive feedback loop occurs in nature when the product of a reaction leads to an increase in that reaction. If we look at a system in homeostasis, a positive feedback loop moves a system further away from the target of equilibrium. It does this by amplifying the effects of a product or event and occurs when something needs to happen quickly.

Example 1: Fruit Ripening

There is a surprising effect in nature where a tree or bush will suddenly ripen all of its fruit or vegetables, without any visible signal. This is our first example of a positive biological feedback loop. If we look at an apple tree, with many apples, seemingly overnight they all go from unripe to ripe to overripe. This will begin with the first apple to ripen. Once ripe, it gives off a gas known as ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) through its skin. When exposed to this gas, the apples near to it also ripen. Once ripe, they too produce ethylene, which continues to ripen the rest of the tree in an effect much like a wave. This feedback loop is often used in fruit production, with apples being exposed to manufactured ethylene gas to make them ripen faster.

Figure 2: The process of apples ripening is a positive feedback loop.

Example 2: Childbirth

When labor begins, the baby’s head is pushed downwards which results in increased pressure on the cervix. This stimulates receptor cells to send a chemical signal to the brain, allowing the release of oxytocin. This oxytocin diffuses to the cervix via the blood, where it stimulated further contractions. These contractions stimulate further oxytocin release until the baby is born.

Figure 3: The contractions experienced in childbirth come about as a result of a positive feedback loop.

Example 3: Blood Clotting

When tissue is torn or injured, a chemical is released. This chemical causes platelets in the blood to activate. Once these platelets have activated, they release a chemical that signals more platelets to activate, until the wound is clotted.

Figure 4: The process of wound clotting is a positive feedback loop.

Negative Feedback Loops

A negative feedback loop occurs in biology when the product of a reaction leads to a decrease in that reaction. In this way, a negative feedback loop brings a system closer to a target of stability or homeostasis. Negative feedback loops are responsible for the stabilization of a system, and ensure the maintenance of a steady, stable state. The response of the regulating mechanism is opposite to the output of the event.

Example 1: Temperature Regulation

Temperature regulation in humans occurs constantly. Normal human body temperature is approximately 98.6°F. When body temperature rises above this, two mechanisms kick in the body begins to sweat, and vasodilation occurs to allow more of the blood surface area to be exposed to the cooler external environment. As the sweat cools, it causes evaporative cooling, while the blood vessels cause convective cooling. Normal temperature is regained. Should these cooling mechanisms continue, the body will become cold. The mechanisms which then kick in are the formation of goosebumps, and vasoconstriction. Goosebumps in other mammals raise the hair or fur, allowing more heat to be retained. In humans, they tighten the surrounding skin, reducing (slightly) the surface area from which to lose heat. Vasoconstriction ensures that only a small surface area of the veins is exposed to the cooler outside temperature, retaining heat. Normal temperature is regained.

Figure 5: The process of temperature regulation in humans is a negative feedback loop.

Example 2: Blood Pressure Regulation (Baroreflex)

Blood pressure needs to remain high enough to pump blood to all parts of the body, but not so high as to cause damage while doing so. While the heart is pumping, baroreceptors detect the pressure of the blood going through the arteries. If the pressure is too high or too low, a chemical signal is sent to the brain via the glossopharyngeal nerve. The brain then sends a chemical signal to the heart to adjust the rate of pumping: if blood pressure is low, heart rate increases, while if blood pressure is high, heart rate decreases.

Example 3: Osmoregulation

Osmoregulation refers to the control of the concentration of various liquids within the body, to maintain homeostasis. We will again look at an example of a fish, living in the ocean. The concentration of salt in the water surrounding the fish is much higher than that of the liquid in the fish. This water enters the fish by diffusion through the gills, through food consumption, and through drinking. Also, because the concentration of salt is higher outside than inside the fish, there is passive diffusion of salt into the fish and water out of the fish. When salt concentration is too high in the fish, salt ions must be released through excretion. This occurs via the skin, and in very concentrated urine. In addition, high salt levels in the blood are removed via active transport by the chloride secretory cells in the gills. The correct salt concentration is thus maintained.

Figure 6: The process of osmoregulation in saltwater fish is a constant negative feedback loop.

Positive vs. Negative Feedback

The key difference between positive and negative feedback is their response to change: positive feedback amplifies change while negative feedback reduces change. This means that positive feedback will result in more of a product: more apples, more contractions, or more clotting platelets. Negative feedback will result in less of a product: less heat, less pressure, or less salt. Positive feedback moves away from a target point while negative feedback moves towards a target.

Why is Feedback Important?

Without feedback, homeostasis cannot occur. This means that an organism loses the ability to self-regulate its body. Negative feedback mechanisms are more common in homeostasis, but positive feedback loops are also important. Changes in feedback loops can lead to various issues, including diabetes mellitus.

Figure 7: In a normal glucose cycle, increases in blood glucose levels detected by the pancreas will result in the beta cells of the pancreas secreting insulin until normal blood glucose levels are reached. Whereas if low blood glucose levels are detected, the alpha cells of the pancreas will release glucagon to raise blood glucose levels to be normal.

In type 1 diabetes, beta cells don’t work. This means that when blood glucose levels rise, insulin production is not triggered, and so blood glucose levels continue to go up. This can result in symptoms such as blurred vision, weight loss, hyperventilation, nausea and vomiting, among others. In type 2 diabetes, chronic high blood glucose levels have occurred as a result of poor diet and lack of exercise. This results in cells no longer recognizing insulin, and so blood glucose levels continue to rise.

Wrapping Up Positive and Negative Feedback Loops

Feedback loops are biological mechanisms whereby homeostasis is maintained. This occurs when the product or output of an event or reaction changes the organism’s response to that reaction. Positive feedback occurs to increase the change or output: the result of a reaction is amplified to make it occur more quickly. Negative feedback occurs to reduce the change or output: the result of a reaction is reduced to bring the system back to a stable state. Some examples of positive feedback are contractions in child birth and the ripening of fruit; negative feedback examples include the regulation of blood glucose levels and osmoregulation.

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Positive feedback: definition, mechanism, and examples.

Reading time: 13 mins read

Positive feedback definition.

There are two types of feedback in the feedback loop: positive feedback and negative feedback. They function to keep the body balanced in a variety of situations. Feedback loops are biological systems that maintain the internal integrity of a live entity based on its reaction. It occurs when the result of an activity, or any other output, changes the body’s reaction. The change or output is amplified or magnified by positive feedback. The effect of the reaction is intensified, allowing it to happen much faster. The system’s output is improved with this type of feedback. Negative feedback, on the other hand, reduces or prevents production.

What is Positive Feedback?

To work effectively, each bodily mechanism, such as temperature, blood pressure, and quantities of particular nutrients, must be in the optimum range. A normal value around which the standard range fluctuates is called an optimal value. The body remains healthy and stable when the standard or optimal range is maintained. Various biological systems act on the body’s input and output as a result of certain stimuli.

In order to maintain homeostasis, feedback loops are critical. Homeostasis is the protection of the body’s internal environment from the effects and fluctuations of the external environment, and it aids in body stability.

Homeostasis is determined by two key factors:

1. Organismal classification

2. The organism’s habitat

A cold-blooded species, such as a fish, maintains a lower body temperature in response to its surroundings, whereas a warm-blooded animal, such as a whale, maintains a greater body temperature to maintain internal stability. A favourable response or a self-reinforcing response to external or internal stimuli is known as positive feedback. In this case, the effector increases the stimulus, which improves product creation and maintains body stability. Instead of correcting a physiological change, positive feedback encourages it.

A physiological system that supports the change is called positive feedback (works to reinforce or intensify the change). The receptor detects the variation, and the effector then tries to create the same result, enhancing the physiological change. The positive feedback loop will continue to increase the real change until the stimulus is eliminated.

Positive Feedback Examples

Consider the following scenarios: clot formation, delivery, fruit ripening, and the menstrual cycle. Each one shows the operation of a positive feedback mechanism:

• To seal a wound, clotting factors are released.

• When a baby is born, the uterus’s walls dilate, causing a contraction that stimulates the uterus to stretch even more (this continues until birth).

• When fruits ripen, ethylene is released, which helps to keep the ripening process going.

• The oestrogen hormone stimulates the release of other hormones that lead to ovulation throughout the menstrual cycle.

i. Blood Clot Formation

The body’s endeavour to reverse the harm produced by any injury is one of the most prominent examples of positive feedback. Excessive blood loss is a serious hazard to life when the body is damaged. At the location of the injury, blood pressure and blood flow are decreased. Blood clotting factors are produced at the location of the injury to start the clotting process. When the procedure starts, it accelerates the clotting process. As a result, the process of closing the damaged region has sped up in general. Clotting factors are the substances that cause a clot to develop in an injured or damaged region. One of the most life-saving examples of good feedback is this.

ii. Child Birth

1. The Ferguson reflex is the start of contractions during delivery.

2. In the case of childbirth, the uterine walls ultimately expand due to the baby’s development, which is represented by the stretch receptors.

3. This stretching will promote the release of oxytocin hormones, which will engage the uterine muscles and reduce the uterine gap.

4. It causes the uterus to expand more, resulting in additional contractions until the initial trigger (the foetus) is gone (i.e., birth).

iii. Fruit Ripening

Fruit ripening is another example of a positive feedback loop in action. If you look at a plant or a tree that has a lot of fruit, you’ll see that the fruits move through three stages: unripe, ripe, and overripe. When the first fruit begins to mature, the process will begin. When it is fully ripe, it emits a gas called ethylene (C 2 H 4 ). The surrounding fruits that are exposed to ethylene begin to ripen as a result. These fruits continue to emit ethylene gas as they continue to mature. This feedback loop is commonly employed in the fruit industry, where exposure to ethylene gas accelerates the ripening process.

iv. Menstrual Cycle

Before a woman ovulates, the oestrogen hormone begins to release from her ovary. The oestrogen hormone goes to the brain, where it triggers the release of two other hormones. The hypothalamus is engaged, causing gonadotropin hormone to be released, while the pituitary gland is stimulated, causing luteinizing hormone to be released. Luteinizing hormone, in turn, boosts oestrogen production. Ovulation occurs when the levels of these hormones, as well as follicle-stimulating hormones, rise.

Parts of Positive Feedback

Homeostasis is achieved by the interaction of four fundamental components.

1. Stimulus

2. Sensor (Receptor)

3. Control Centre

4. Effector

i. Stimulus

Any external chemical that disrupts the body’s homeostasis can be used as a stimulant (it is the process of maintaining balance in all body systems). Controlled factors give the stimulation. In general, the stimulus shifts or fluctuates the optimal range away from the usual or standard range. Physical injuries, illnesses, or changes in the external environment are all examples of stimuli. They interfere with the body’s physiological functioning.

The receptor is another name for the sensor. The physiological value is detected by this component of the feedback system. The sensor detects changes in the body’s balance. It not only keeps track of how much has changed, but it also transmits signals to the control centre. During delivery, for example, nerve cells in the cervix detect the foetus’s head pressure. The sensor’s sensory nerves will alert the control centre to the change.

iii. Control Center

The control centre is a component of the feedback system that compares the magnitude of variation to the average value. Not only does it receive signals from sensors, but it also analyses them. The brain’s control centre notices the alterations and compares them to normal levels. If the value is not within the optimal range, the control centre sends an instantaneous signal to the effector to preserve bodily balance.

The pituitary gland is positioned near the brain, which is the command centre for a variety of responses. In reaction to the stimulation, it releases hormones such as oxytocin, antidiuretic hormone, and growth hormone.

iv. Effector

The effector can be any muscle, organ, gland, or other tissue that responds to the stimuli in accordance with the control centre’s signal. The stimulus is either opposed or enhanced by the effector. The effector’s reaction is determined by the command received by a control centre. The effector’s objective is to keep the variable close to the standard point in order to preserve stability.

The contraction of the uterus, for example, is the outcome of positive feedback in labour. The uterus is the effector organ in this case.

Positive Feedback vs Negative Feedback

Feedback loops are biological processes that aid in the body’s maintenance of homeostasis. This happens when a product or event occurs that changes the body’s reaction.

A positive feedback loop keeps the stimulus in the same direction and presumably speeds up the action. An explosion of chemical events that lead to blood clotting, also known as coagulation, is an example of positive feedback loops seen in the animal body. As one clotting factor activates, it will prompt the activation of others in a chain reaction until a clot, fibrin, is produced. This method maintains the event’s course rather than changing it, thus it has positive feedback.

Positive feedback includes contractions during delivery and fruit ripening. The transformation is slowed by a negative feedback loop. To return the system to a stable condition, the response impact is reduced.

Negative feedback occurs when a change or output is minimised. To return the system to an even and stable state, the response’s influence is decreased. In every homeostatic process, changing the direction of the stimulus creates a negative feedback loop. Negative feedback alters the stimulus’s magnitude but does not allow it to continue its action. In other words, when the levels are high, the body exerts effort to reduce them, and when the levels are low, the body exerts effort to raise them.

Regulating blood glucose levels and osmoregulation are two examples of negative feedback. Thermoregulation is another. When the body temperature deviates from its usual range, the system kicks in to bring it back to normal. In homeostatic physiological processes, the negative reaction happens more frequently than the positive response. A disruption in the natural bodily system is the root of many diseases. As productivity rises, so does the amount of action in positive feedback. As a result, the reaction impact is magnified in the end.

Bad feedback, on the other hand, slows down the rate at which a condition develops, which can have either positive or negative repercussions. As a result, the reaction response is stifled.

Negative feedback, as opposed to positive feedback, is closely linked to stability since it reduces the impact of stimuli. Positive responses, on the other hand, lead to production, which might lead to unpredictability. Negative feedback demonstrates resistance to changes by working to restore the body’s system to its original condition and reverse the change. Positive feedback, on the other hand, tends to encourage transformation and change.

External intervention is usually required to stop a good reaction from working. When the body is under circulatory shock, for example, it receives positive feedback in order to deal with the situation. The blood pressure continues to decrease in this situation, which might lead to heart failure. To halt positive feedback in such instances, medical therapy is necessary. Negative feedback, on the other hand, is completely self-contained. It will come to an end once stability has been attained.

Biological Importance of Positive Feedback

The internal mechanism of the body cannot establish equilibrium if it is deprived of feedback. It indicates that the body’s ability to manage its systems is deteriorating. While negative input is frequent in sustaining stability, good feedback is equally important.

Hormonal response pattern: hormone concentration in plasma is influenced by factors such as secretion rate and serum hormone concentration.

Corticotropin hormone is secreted by the hypothalamus, which stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The adrenal gland is stimulated to produce cortisol by ACTH. When ACTH levels in the blood begin to rise, the hypothalamus receives a signal to halt CRH production. Cortisol also “returns” to the pituitary gland and brain when plasma levels rise, preventing the production of adrenocorticotropic and corticotropin hormones, respectively. As a result, a small change in the defined region triggers a corrective action on the opposite side. Negative feedback helps to avoid excessive hormone release in this way.

Because of breast sucking, there is a neural reaction in the spinal cord during lactation. The pituitary gland is stimulated as a result of this reaction ascending to the hypothalamus. As a result, more prolactin is generated, which encourages the production of milk.

Another significant aspect of positive feedback is that it causes ovulation by increasing oestrogen levels throughout the menstrual cycle phase. Positive reactions are also influenced by the generation of sensory nerve impulses, which is an essential physiologic component.

The membrane produces a modest leak of sodium ions through sodium channels in the nerve fibre. This causes a shift in membrane potential, which in turn causes numerous sodium channels to activate (Hodgkin cycle). The first tiny leak triggers a cascade of sodium leaks, which are necessary for the propagation of the nerve action potential.

Positive feedback is also useful for sustaining other cell signalling systems, such as enzyme kinetics and physiological mechanisms. Positive feedback can be utilised to boost B cell activity. When a B cell’s antibodies attach to an antigen, it triggers an immunological response in which additional antibodies are generated and released.

Apoptosis is a type of planned cell death that attempts to rid the body of damaged and undesirable cells. If this mechanism does not function properly, severe repercussions, such as cancer, will result. The auto-activation of caspases lies at the heart of this process, which may be followed by a positive feedback loop.

Positive feedback is a type of feedback that reacts to a disturbance in the same way as the perturbation does. It has a tendency to start or speed up a biological process. The perturbation signal is magnified in this system, and the output might rise exponentially or even hyperbolically. The beginning of contractions during delivery is an example of biological positive feedback.

When a contraction occurs, the hormone oxytocin is released into the body, which causes the body to contract even more. As a result, the amplitude and frequency of contractions increase. Another example occurs during the coagulation of blood. Signal molecules are produced when a tissue is damaged. These chemicals cause circulating platelets to release additional chemicals, causing more platelets to be activated, which is necessary for the development of a blood clot. Nerve signal production and gene regulation are two more instances of positive feedback.

Zygote, Zygote Definition, What is Zygote, What is a Zygote, Zygote Diagram,

Zygote: Definition, Stages, and Diagram

Positive feedback citations.

Positive feedback in cellular control systems. Bioessays . 2008 Jun;30(6):542-55.
A model for positive feedback control of the transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Prog Biophys Mol Biol . 2019 Jul;144:30-40.
Autoactivation of small GTPases by the GEF-effector positive feedback modules. F1000Res . 2019 Sep 23;8:F1000 Faculty Rev-1676.
Positive Feedback Loops in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Alzheimer’s Feedback Hypothesis. J Alzheimers Dis . 2018;66(1):25-36.

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Positive and Negative Feedback Homeostasis

Reviewed by: BD Editors

Homeostasis refers to the steady state of internal conditions maintained by living organisms. Humans have control centers in the brain and other parts of the body that constantly monitor conditions like temperature, pressure, and blood and tissue chemistry. When any condition gets out of balance, feedback loops return the body to homeostasis. This is a natural response to changes in the optimal conditions for the body to function.

To sense when things are out of balance, bodily functions have set points around which normal values fluctuate within a range. For example, normal human body temperature set point is 98.6°F, and the range varies a few degrees above and below that. There are positive and negative feedback loops in physiological processes that react when conditions venture outside the range.

Feedback loops have three components—the sensors, the control, and the effector. Sensors are also called receptors and they monitor conditions inside and outside the body. Some examples are thermoreceptors and mechanoreceptors. The control center, often in the brain, compares the value the sensor receives to the values in the range. Finally, the effector is what the feedback loop acts on.

Negative Feedback Loops

In the human body, this kind of feedback loop acts to resist or reverse the process when conditions go outside of the range.

Body Temperature

Core body temperature in mammals is regulated by thermoreceptors in the hypothalamus in the brain, spinal cord, large veins, and internal organs. When the core temperature gets too high, the animals first reaction is usually behavioral thermoregulation, also called allostasis. The animal may seek shade to get out of the sun or move into the water to cool its skin. This type of thermoregulation is the primary reaction because the effects will occur faster than the physiological mechanisms. It is important to realize that this feedback mechanism is based on controlling heat loss or heat gain in the body. The body does not “cool itself” in the literal sense, meaning it does not turn on an internal air conditioning system or synthesize chemicals that cool the body.

The major thermoregulatory negative feedback loop for cooling is when thermoreceptors on the skin detect higher than desired temperatures. This stimulates cholinergic sympathetic nerves to activate sweat glands in the skin to secrete sweat which evaporates and cools the skin and the blood in the vessels running through it. In animals like dogs and cats that have no sweat glands, the allostatic response is panting through the mouth to increase heat loss from the lungs. The stimulation of the sympathetic nerves decreases as the core temperature lowers back to the normal range.

If the core temperature becomes too cool, the first response is usually shivering (the allostatic response). Physiologically, the thermoreceptors trigger vasoconstriction in the skin and also reduces the flow of blood to the limbs. This moves more blood to the trunk of the body via the deep veins. In the trunk there is a counter-current exchange system where the veins run alongside the arteries, transferring some heat from the arterial blood to the venous blood. Other examples of negative feedback loops include the regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure, blood gases, blood pH, fluid balance, and erythropoiesis.

Positive Feedback Loops

Instead of reversing it, positive feedback encourages and intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition, actually driving it farther out of the normal range. This type of feedback is normal for the body, provided there is a definite endpoint.

Blood Clotting

The process of blood coagulation (hemostasis) is a cascading positive feedback loop. When the body is damaged inside or outside, the damaged tissues release factors that cause platelets to adhere to the tissue (the effector) at the site of the wound. The platelets release granules that activate and attract more platelets and cause them to bind to each other. Fibrinogen is converted to fibrin which creates a meshwork that traps blood cells and platelets, forming a clot and stopping the bleeding. The cascade comes to an end when thrombin binds to the cofactor thrombomodulin, activating protein C which inhibits the coagulation cycle.

Chemically, the activation of the enzyme prothrombin into its active form thrombin is one step in the clotting process. But what makes this a positive feedback loop is that thrombin can also activate the coagulation factors that precede it in the cascade. In other words, an increase in thrombin leads to a greater increase in thrombin. Figure 1 shows how thrombin regulates its own generation by activating clotting factors V, VIII, and XI.

Once labor begins, it is critical the process proceed quickly, or the life of the mother and baby will be at risk. The cascade of muscular events involved in labor and delivery are the result of a positive feedback system which is designed to do this.

The stimulus for the process to begin is the first contraction of labor. As the baby is pushed toward the cervix by the powerful contractions of the uterus, stretch sensors in the uterus monitor how much the cervix stretches. The sensors send messages to the pituitary gland in the brain, causing it to release the hormone oxytocin into the mother’s bloodstream. Oxytocin acts on the smooth muscle cells of the uterus (the effectors) causing stronger contractions, moving the baby farther down the birth canal. This continuous cycle of stretching and releasing of oxytocin stops only when the baby is expelled from the birth canal (the endpoint).

OpenStax College. (2018). Anatomy & Physiology . Houston, TX. OpenStax CNX. Retrieved from http://cnx.org/contents/[email protected] Homeostasis. (n.d.). In Wikipedia . Retrieved March 30, 2018 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeostasis

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Negative Feedback ( AQA A Level Biology )

Revision note.

Biology Lead

Negative Feedback

The majority of homeostatic control mechanisms in organisms use negative feedback to maintain homeostatic balance (ie. to keep certain physiological factors, such as blood glucose concentration, within certain limits )
A receptor (or sensor) – to detect a stimulus that is involved with a condition / physiological factor
A coordination system (nervous system and endocrine system) – to transfer information between different parts of the body
An effector (muscles and glands) – to carry out a response
The factor/stimulus is continuously monitored
If there is an increase in the factor, the body responds to make the factor decrease
If there is a decrease in the factor, the body responds to make the factor increase
The system is restored to its original level

A negative feedback control loop

Negative feedback could come up as an essay question in the exam so make sure you know several examples and can explain how each work!

Control of Negative Feedback

They reduce the initial effect of the stimulus
Receptors detect any deviations from the normal range (stimuli) which results in a corrective mechanism to return the factor back to its normal range
One for when the factor becomes too low
One for when the factor becomes too high
The corrective mechanisms may involve the nervous system or the endocrine system
As the factor gets closer to its normal value the level of correction reduces

Two corrective mechanisms are involved in the negative feedback loop

Interpreting Information About Feedback Loops

In the exam you may be asked to identify whether a particular system is a negative or positive feedback loop
There are two corrective mechanisms
One mechanism causes the factor to decrease
Another mechanism causes the factor to increase
They enhance the effect of the original stimulus

Positive feedback loop in bone repair

The repair of broken bones is carried out via a positive feedback loop involving special cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts
Osteocalcin is a protein
They secrete the osteocalcin in an inactive form
The low pH alters the hydrogen and ionic bonds in the protein which changes the tertiary structure
The active form of osteocalcin binds to a receptor on beta (β) cells in the pancreas which stimulates them to release insulin
Osteoblast cells possess insulin receptors which when stimulated causes them to release more inactive osteocalcin
The osteoblast cells enhance the effect of the original stimulus (insulin) - positive feedback

Positive feedback bone repair, downloadable AS & A Level Biology revision notes

A positive feedback loop

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Positive and Negative Feedback Loops in Endocrine System Essay

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Introduction

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs that uses hormones to control and coordinate the body’s energy level, metabolism, reproduction, and response to injuries. There are four main organs of the endocrine system, which include; female ovaries, male testes, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Most of the endocrine system is controlled by a feedback mechanism that has both negative and positive responses used in the regulation. In negative response, the concentration of hormones is relatively narrow and maintains homeostasis while in positive feedback, hormone concentration is increasingly higher.

The negative feedback loop controls the synthesis and secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland. When the thyroid hormone circulating in the blood decreases, thyrotropin hormone (TRH) is released, which is secreted by the hypothalamus. The hormone moves directly to the pituitary gland through a thin stock connecting the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. In the gland, TRH stimulates the pituitary to secret thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which travels through the bloodstream and reaches the thyroid gland, which stimulates it to secrete thyroid hormones (Chong et al. 2020). The process continues until the level of thyroid hormones is high enough for the body. When this is achieved, the hypothalamus stops secreting TRH and the pituitary from secreting (TSH). If stimulation of TSH stops, thyroids stop secreting hormones that lead to levels of thyroids to start falling again.

Positive feedback regulation mostly happens in breastfeeding or nursing mothers. Prolactin is a non-steroid hormone secreted by the pituitary gland which helps to stimulate the mammary glands of a nursing mother to produce milk. Prolactin is regulated in a mother by a positive feedback loop that involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, nipples, and mammary glands (Douglas, 2021). The positive feedback begins when a baby sacks the nipple of its mother. A nerve from the nipple reaches the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland is stimulated to secrete prolactin. The hormone travels through the blood to the mammary gland and stimulates them to produce milk. Due to the release of milk, the baby continues sacking the nipples which cause more secretion of prolactin and more milk is produced. The positive feedback continues until the baby stops suckling the nipple.

Every hormone in the body recognizes their targets cells from the many other cells in the body by the use of receptors that exist on a cell which help them to bind to each other. A receptor initiates a series of chemical reactions within the cell to complete the intended purpose of the hormone (Spring et al. 2020). For example, most endocrine hormones may stimulate a release of a chemical that induces the production of a certain gene which causes the action of the release of hormone from the endocrine gland which must be regulated by a negative feedback loop to control the process and prevent continuous activation of receptors.

Positive feedback provides a response that increases to produce the desired effect. The endocrine system is important to our bodies because it helps control growth and development during childhood, and regulates bodily functions in adulthood and the reproductive system. The system supports the life cycle of reproduction, childhood, and adulthood. The system controls and regulates all the functions of the body. They ensure that the levels of hormones are not too high or too low for better functioning of the body. The failure of a certain gland to produce the required hormone results in malfunctioning of the body, which might require medical attention.

Chong, W. P., Mattapallil, M. J., Raychaudhuri, K., Bing, S. J., Wu, S., Zhong, Y., & Caspi, R. R. (2020). The cytokine IL-17A limits Th17 pathogenicity via a negative feedback loop driven by autocrine induction of IL-24 . Immunity , 53 (2), 384-397.

Douglas, P. (2021). Over diagnosis and overtreatment of nipple and breast candidiasis: A review of the relationship between diagnoses of mammary candidiasis and Candida albicans in breastfeeding women. Women’s Health , 17 , 17455065211031480.

Spring, L. M., Wander, S. A., Andre, F., Moy, B., Turner, N. C., & Bardia, A. (2020). Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: past, present, and future . The Lancet , 395 (10226), 817-827.

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Homeostasis
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Biology on feedback mechanisms

Biology essay on feedback mechanisms BY Deep Homeostasis is the ‘maintenance of equilibrium in a biological system by means of an automatic mechanism that counteracts influences tending towards disequilibrium’. Homeostasis mechanisms operate at all levels within living systems, including the molecular, cellular, and population levels. In humans homeostasis involves the constant monitoring and regulating of numerous factors including, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, nutrient and hormone levels and inorganic and organic substances.

The concentrations of these substances in the body fluid remain unchanged, within limits, despite changes in the external environment. There are two general ways in which the body can respond to changes, these being positive and negative feedback. Negative Feedback Negative feedback causes the body to respond in such a way as to reverse the direction of a change and this tends to keep the internal environment at a constant, thus maintaining homeostasis. Sensors and receptors are what bring about a reaction to ensure conditions within the body remain favorable.

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Examples of negative feedback are as follows. Blood glucose levels The receptors of the pancreas are responsible for monitoring the blood glucose levels. The alpha-cells of the Islets of Lanterns release glucose when glucose levels are low. Glucose promote the conversion of glycogen into glucose; the lack of glucose can then be compensated for by the new supply of glucose brought about from glucose. The beta cells of the Islets of Lanterns release insulin when the levels of glucose in the blood is high.

Insulin promotes the conversion of glucose into logged and this can be stored in the liver for later use. Fight or flight In emergencies adrenaline is released by the body to override the homeostasis control of glucose levels and promotes the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Adrenaline is secreted by the adrenal gland and its secretion leads to increased heart rate, breathing and metabolism. Once the emergency is over adrenaline levels drop, and the homeostasis controls are back in place. Water regulation Homeostasis control of water is also controlled by negative feedback.

Competitors palpable of detecting water concentration are situated on the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus sends chemical signals to the pituitary gland, which secretes anti- diuretic hormone ( nee DAD on reaching the kidney causes the tubules to become more or less permeable to water. If more water is required in the blood stream then high. Concentrations are released and this makes the tubules of the kidney more permeable to water. If less water is required in the blood stream then low. Concentrations are released and this makes the tubules of the kidney less permeable to water.

Temperature control Animals, which are capable of temperature control, are called homeostasis. The hypothalamus acts as the temperature control centre and detects any change in the temperature with thermometer. One of the most obvious physical responses to overheating is sweating; this cools the body by making more moisture on the skin available for evaporation. Other responses, perhaps less obvious, is vacillation of blood vessels. The blood vessels close to the skins surface become more dilated meaning there is a larger surface area for heat loss to the external environment.

If the body is cooled then sweating is reduced, body hair stands on end to trap air close to the skin, shivering occurs, the metabolic rate decreases and vasoconstriction of blood vessels occurs to prevent the further loss of heat. Positive Feedback Positive feedback mechanisms increase the departure from the normal even more. Positive feedback can have both beneficial and harmful consequences. Digestion Positive feedback occurs in some digestive enzymes such as pepsin. Pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme that works in the stomach, the stomach does not secrete pepsin instead it secretes an inactive form, called possession.

When one possession molecule becomes activated, it helps to activate other possession molecules nearby, which in turn can activate others. In this way, the number of active pepsin molecules can rapidly increase, by using positive feedback. The advantage of pepsin being present in an inactive form is the prevention of self-digestion. Temperature One harmful effect of positive feedback is if an individuals temperature is very high the negative feedback system ceases to work and the increase temperature speeds p the body chemistry, which causes the temperature to rise even more, which in turn increases the temperature and so forth.

This is the vicious cycle of positive feedback and can only lead to death if not stopped Overall, homeostasis is a very important mechanism, and complex systems must have homeostasis to maintain stability to survive. The thickening of fur in winter, the darkening tot skin in sunlight, the seeking tot shade in neat, and the production tot more red blood cells at high altitude are all examples of adaptations animals can make in order to maintain homeostasis

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How to Implement Essay Feedback: A Guide to Academic Success

(Last updated: 24 November 2023)

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Embarking on the journey of essay writing is both an art and a skill that requires continuous refinement. One crucial aspect that contributes to this refinement is constructive feedback. Feedback acts as a guiding light, illuminating areas for improvement and highlighting strengths. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of essay feedback and discuss effective ways to implement it into your writing process.

The Importance of Feedback for Your Essays

Constructive feedback is a cornerstone of academic development. It serves as a valuable tool for honing writing skills, refining arguments, and enhancing overall clarity. Feedback encourages self-reflection, individualised development, and the fostering of a growth mindset. Beyond academia, it prepares students for the real world, nurturing a skill vital for professional success – the ability to receive, process, and act on constructive criticism.

Establishing a Feedback System

Peer Review : Encourage a collaborative environment by engaging in peer review sessions. Peer feedback provides diverse perspectives, helping you identify blind spots and areas that may require clarification. Constructive criticism from peers fosters a supportive writing community.
Instructor Feedback : Seek feedback from instructors or mentors who can provide expert insights. Instructors often offer valuable guidance on structure, argumentation, and the application of critical concepts. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if certain feedback points are unclear. If you need expert guidance to enhance your essay writing , our dedicated team of experienced academics and editors can provide personalised feedback tailored to your unique writing style.
Online Platforms : Leverage online platforms and writing communities where you can submit your work for feedback. Websites and forums dedicated to writing often have members who are willing to offer constructive criticism. Be open to feedback from diverse sources to get a comprehensive view of your writing.

Implementing Feedback Effectively

Prioritise Revisions : Once you receive feedback, prioritise implementing revisions. Identify the key areas for improvement and revise your essay accordingly. This iterative process not only enhances the quality of your current work but also contributes to your growth as a writer.
Reflect on Feedback : Take the time to reflect on the feedback received. Understand the rationale behind the comments and consider how you can apply the suggestions in your future writing. This reflective process builds a deeper understanding of your strengths and areas that need refinement.
Iterative Writing Process : View essay writing as an iterative process. Each draft is an opportunity for improvement. Embrace the feedback loop by consistently refining your work. The more you engage with feedback, the more your writing will evolve.

Become a More Proficient Writer

Implementing effective essay feedback is a dynamic process that requires openness to critique and a commitment to improvement. Whether it's through peer reviews, instructor feedback, or online platforms, the insights gained from others are invaluable. By embracing feedback as a catalyst for growth, you can refine your writing skills and navigate the path to becoming a more proficient and confident writer. Remember, your writing journey is a continuous evolution, and each piece of feedback is a stepping stone towards mastery.

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v.13(4); 2017 Dec

How to give and receive feedback effectively

Georgia hardavella.

1 Dept of Respiratory Medicine, King’s College Hospital, London, UK

2 Dept of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, King’s College London, London, UK

Ane Aamli-Gaagnat

3 Dept of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

4 Faculty of Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK

Ilona Rousalova

5 1st Dept of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Care, 1st Medical School and General University Hospital, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

Katherina B. Sreter

6 Dept of Clinical Immunology, Pulmonology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Centre “Sestre Milosrdnice”, Zagreb, Croatia

In most European countries, feedback is embedded in education, training and daily professional activities. It is a valuable tool for indicating whether things are going in the right direction or whether redirection is required. In the world of healthcare professionals, it is intended to provide doctors with information about their practice through the eyes of their peers. Feedback is a valuable tool for doctors to gather information, consolidate their awareness of strengths and areas to improve, and aims to support effective behaviour. Doctors of all levels may be approached by peers or juniors to give feedback, or they may ask others to give feedback on their own performance.

Short abstract

Giving and receiving effective feedback are skills that are central in healthcare settings http://ow.ly/zZ1C30eVrH1

Feedback is the breakfast of champions . Ken Blanchard

Feedback is the fuel that drives improved performance . Eric Parsloe

Giving and receiving feedback is not an easy task and poses significant challenges for both sides. In this article, we will discuss pragmatic feedback models, how to overcome barriers to an effective feedback and tips for giving effective feedback, as well as how to receive feedback and make the most out of it.

Types of feedback

Informal feedback is the most frequent form. It is provided on a day-to-day basis, and is given on any aspect of a doctor’s professional performance and conduct, by any member of the multidisciplinary team. It is usually in verbal form.
Formal feedback comes as part of a structured assessment; it can be offered by any member of the multidisciplinary team, but most frequently by peers or superiors. It is usually in written form.
Formative feedback, “for learning”, is about a learner’s progress at a particular time through a course or during the acquisition of a new skill. It provides opportunities to gain feedback, reflect and redirect effort (where appropriate) before completing a final assessment. It gives you the experience of writing or performing a task without it having a direct impact on your formal progress and relies on continuous encouragement.
Summative feedback, “of learning”, measures performance, often against a standard, and comes with a mark/grade and feedback to explain your mark. It can be used to rank or judge individuals

For the purpose of this article, we will focus on formal and informal feedback.

Why is feedback important?

As a general rule, it seems that learners value feedback more when it is given by someone they respect as a role model. Appropriate feedback contributes significantly in developing learners’ competence and confidence at all stages of their professional careers; it helps them think about the gap between actual and desired performance, and identify ways to narrow the gap and improve. For health professionals in particular, it promotes reflective and experiential learning ,which involves “training on the job”, and reflecting on experiences, incidents and feelings. More importantly, feedback aims to develop performance to a higher level by dealing with underperformance in a constructive way.

If we do not give feedback, this will come with a cost. The learner can assume that everything is fine and will continue practicing in the same way. This leads into a false assessment of their own skills and abilities, and builds up a false perception.

Who gives feedback?

In professional life, your patients and anyone working with you as a member of the multidisciplinary team can give you feedback. Feedback in these cases is meant to be given reciprocally, i.e. you will also need to give feedback to your peers. We have listed the most common sources of feedback in figure 1 .

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is EDU-0099-2017.01.jpg

Sources of feedback.

Educational or clinical supervisors

Your educational or clinical supervisor can be a major source of feedback. They are meant to act as your mentor, monitor your clinical and educational progress, and ensure you receive appropriate career guidance and planning. Educational or clinical supervisors do not formally exist in all respiratory medicine training programmes across Europe and this role may be informally undertaken ad hoc by the clinical lead of the department, a supervising consultant or a PhD/MSc supervisor. Regardless of the role allocation, feedback is integral to the process, and should cover clinical and academic practice, professional conduct, complaints and/or serious incidents that should be discussed in a reflective, nonjudgmental manner to allow improvement and personal development. Should this occur in a structured and organised manner with a delegated supervisor, it will be helpful for the learner.

As previously stated, the feedback process should be reciprocal. Departmental trainee feedback is essential to monitor and improve the quality of specialty training. Trainees’ feedback must be used with other sources of information to review and improve the training programmes and posts. Obtaining this type of feedback can sometimes be challenging as it may be biased by the fear of identification and labelling of trainees; therefore, in some countries, it is given anonymously. This feedback should also be an opportunity to raise concerns about patient safety or colleague bullying and undermining.

Peers and colleagues

People you work with as members of a multidisciplinary team are expected to provide their feedback in a constructive manner, being open and supportive. This multisource feedback aims to improve your own understanding of where things stand; it is a clear “reality check” and, at the same time, gives a clear direction of travel in terms of improving behaviours, attitudes and skills. If you have not received such feedback, ask for it.

Patients’ feedback provides valuable information about what patients and service users think about the healthcare services offered. Examining patients’ feedback will give a direct insight into what is working well and what needs further improvement in the way care is delivered. Furthermore, patient feedback to healthcare professionals is also important as it highlights examples of good practice where lessons can be learnt and areas of concern where improvements can be made. Measuring patients’ feedback and experiences of care/treatment highlights areas that need to improve to provide a patient-led healthcare service.

Feedback models

There are several different models of giving feedback. Not every model is applicable in all daily cases of providing feedback. Below we have listed some feedback models.

The “feedback sandwich”

The feedback sandwich starts and concludes with positive feedback, and what can be considered as the more critical feedback is “sandwiched” between the positive aspects. This can be applicable in everyday clinical practise. However, if you use this method continuously, it might lose its effectiveness. The person receiving our feedback will only wait for the “but” in the middle of your sentence. In this case, make sure to give positive feedback on its own when the opportunity arises. If your coworkers feel acknowledged daily, they will be more open to all kinds of feedback when applicable. A couple of examples of the feedback sandwich follow.

“You have done really well in the acute take; you prioritised cases efficiently and your management plans were well structured. I was thinking we could discuss a few things I believe you can further improve such as timely communication of messages to the nursing staff and emphasising the urgency of particular tasks. After completing your management plan in the medical notes, you can consider discussing verbally the urgency of some tasks with the nurse looking after the patient so that they are alerted and can proceed with them promptly rather than relying on them going back to read the medical notes, which can take longer due to the overwhelming emergency department. Additional verbal communication will complement the excellent quality of your work, will ensure your well-structured management plan is implemented in a timely manner for the patient’s benefit and will further improve your patient’s outcome.”

“I noticed you made the patient and relatives feel very comfortable while you explained the bronchoscopy test to them, and your explanation was very clear. It would have helped further if you had given them patient information leaflets, as at times they were looking a bit overwhelmed. However, you have set a time for meeting with them again, and this will give you the opportunity of answering any questions and giving the leaflets.”

“Chronological fashion” feedback

Chronological fashion feedback focuses on reflecting observations chronologically, reiterating the events that occurred during the session back to the learner. For instance, an observer can go through a learning session and give feedback from beginning to the end.

“The first thing you did really well when you entered the room was to introduce yourself to the patient. Then, you proceeded with physical examination without getting the patient’s consent for this and at that point, the patient looked distressed. It was after that when you explained what you would do and got their consent, and consequently, the patient was more relaxed during the rest of the physical examination.”

This is helpful for short feedback sessions but you can become bogged down in detail during long sessions.

Pendleton model

The Pendleton model was developed in 1984. It is more learner centred, conversation based and identifies an action plan or goals: “reflection for action”. The facilitator needs to check whether the learner wants and is ready for feedback. Then, the learner gives some background about what is being assessed and states what was done well. This aims to create a safe environment first by highlighting positives and consequently this prevents defensiveness. The facilitator then reinforces these positives and the learner suggests what could be improved. This is important, as weaknesses are dissected to offer opportunities for reflection. The facilitator advises how this could be improved and a mutually agreed action plan is formed. The main idea is to use open questions and give the learner the opportunity to think and reflect.

“What do you think went well?”

“What do you think could be done differently?”

“What could be further improved?”

“How can this be achieved?”

Barriers to effective feedback

Various factors can impact on effective feedback and act as barriers ( table 1 ). It is important to be able to identify and overcome them. Effective feedback is dependent on communication skills and as such, it is vital that the message intended by the sender is understood by the receiver in the same terms.

Generalised feedback that is not related to specific facts and does not give advice on how to improve behaviour

Generalised feedback is unhelpful and can be confusing. The person receiving feedback remains unclear about the actual purpose of the session and usually starts exploring hidden agendas that might have triggered the feedback. It disrupts professional relationships and causes unnecessary suspicion.

A lack of respect for the source of feedback

We all tend to accept feedback more from people we value. In the opposite case, it is advised that you ask another colleague that was present to provide informal feedback rather than doing it yourself as otherwise, this might impact on professional relationships and feedback will be ignored.

Fear of upsetting your colleague or damaging your professional relationship with them

The person giving feedback might be different from the recipient in terms of sex, age, hierarchy, and educational and cultural background. These factors may result in a demotivating feedback session. Therefore, feedback needs to be given in a supportive, empathic and relaxed manner, and on a background of a working relationship based on mutual respect.

The recipient of feedback being resistant or defensive when receiving it

Poor handling of situations in which the recipient is resistant or defensive can result in a dismissive approach; therefore, feedback will be disregarded.

Physical barriers

Giving feedback loudly in a noisy corridor, or in the presence of other colleagues or patients, is inappropriate. Such feedback loses its objectivity and the recipient may consider this as an insult that will impact their professional relationship with their peers and patients.

Language barrier or lack of knowledge regarding cultural diversity

Language and cultural barriers convey unclear messages and result in unclassified assumptions. It is important to confirm the message sent is the message that is actually received. All feedback sessions should be held in a respectful and supportive manner.

Personal agendas

Personal agendas should not influence feedback. As soon as you realise this is a possibility, it is best not to give feedback as this will be perceived by the recipient negatively. Personal reflection will identify the reasons behind this and will be crucial in improving this aspect.

Lacking confidence

A person given feedback who lacks confidence may exhibit shyness, difficulty in being assertive, or lack of awareness of their own rights and opportunities.

Tips for and principles of giving effective feedback

When preparing to give feedback, think about what you would like to achieve. What do you want to highlight, what went well and where could there be some improvements? Table 2 summarises tips on giving feedback. Planning in advance is crucial to the process. Planning should encounter to whom you are giving feedback. There is no “one-size fits all” approach; feedback should be tailored to each individual and the corresponding situation. It is of vital importance that you reflect carefully about how you want to convey your message and focus on a couple of key points without overwhelming the learner. The learner might not be ready ( i.e. not receptive), which could have adverse effects. Therefore, think about how they will react to the feedback and what your response might be.

Tips on giving effective feedback

Generally, you will provide one-on-one feedback and you must make sure to give it privately. Offering public feedback will only be perceived as a criticism by the learner and overall it may have detrimental effects on departmental relationships. The learner may feel insulted and undermined whereas their self-confidence will also be affected as they feel this may result in losing their colleagues’ respect. On some occasions, it is possible to give group feedback but then you need to restrict your feedback to the group as a whole without singling out individuals.

It is best to ensure that feedback is given in a timely manner, i.e. as soon after the event as possible, and most organisations will have a regular feedback scheduled (weekly or monthly). However, should the situation mandate it, you can schedule an ad hoc session. Feedback and reflection work best when the memory is still fresh. When feedback is given with great delay ( i.e. months after the incident), then its objectivity will be debated.

In preparing for the feedback, think of specific situations and, if you want to highlight some negative actions, potential alternatives. Do not bring up past actions unless you wish to underscore a certain behaviour or pattern. Also, focus on tasks, actions and objective events rather than personality traits, which tend to be more subjective.

When giving feedback, start off gently trying to implement one of the feedback models mentioned above. For example, you could ask the learner how they think things went. This will give you insight into their experience and enables you to assess how well they can judge their actions, behaviour or performance. Encourage self-reflection as this will allow the learner to be mindful of their actions or behaviour ( table 3 ). As a rule, start with the positive and then move on to negative events. Be very specific and give examples of certain actions or situations, and use “I” when giving feedback.

Open-ended questions for giving feedback that encourage self-reflection

“When you said…, I thought that you were…”

Moreover, link the feedback to the learner’s overall development and/or stated outcomes, which might provide an additional reason for being receptive to the feedback.

Finally, be aware of nonverbal clues, such as your facial expression, body language, posture, voice and eye contact. These might convey their own message, which could be in contrast with what you are trying to achieve.

Emotions are deduced through facial expression. Thus, smile in the correct manner to express warmth and goodwill.
Eye contact creates a feeling of connection but can also be too intense. Make eye contact without staring.
The way we feel about different people effects the way we speak. The tone and the volume of your voice can give away how you feel. Try to match body language, how you use your voice and tone in a natural way.
Avoid looking strict by keeping your arms crossed or like you don’t care by sitting slumped. An open posture gives the expression of an open conversation.
Stressed situations make us breathe faster; when we are tired, it is easy to sigh more. Long breaths make us calmer and are likely to make people around us calmer. Try to take a few deep breaths before giving feedback.
Smartphones and screens with emails, Facebook messages, recent meetings or phone calls: there are so many things to steal our attention and this can only be evident. The person in front of you will notice when you are looking at the screen, and you are less likely to hear and understand what they are saying. Focus your attention on the person in front of you when giving feedback and when you are listening. After giving the feedback, reflect on how it went. Did it go as you expected and how do think it was perceived by the learner? Sometimes, you can misjudge the delivery of your feedback but make sure you learn from this for the next time. Every learner is different and requires a different approach.

In the end, remember to summarise the session in a letter/e-mail and to follow up on what has been discussed. Feedback aims to improve performance and it is advised that time is given to the recipient of feedback to rectify behaviours, then proceed with a follow up session to measure whether or not that is happening, and then make adjustments as you go.

Receiving feedback

A learner-centred approach is often recommended to effectively receive feedback. This involves adopting an open-minded listening strategy, reflection and a willingness to improve one’s performance. The recipients of the feedback are asked to evaluate their own performance and assess how their actions impact others. This approach works best when the feedback is ongoing, regular, supportive, and originating from a wide range of reliable and valid external sources. When this is not the case, the learners may not have sufficient understanding to self-assess and correct behaviours that may hinder their development. However, when constructive feedback is used wisely, it can positively impact the learners’ personal and professional development.

It is very helpful to receive feedback from leaders/teachers in real time and firsthand. When the learner is unable to respond positively, however, this often inhibits the feedback providers from giving direct face-to-face, personalised feedback on a regular basis. Learners’ responses to criticism may present in negative ways ( i.e. anger, denial, blaming or rationalisation), particularly when they discount their own ability to take responsibility for their learning. It is important to view feedback as a means to reflect on strengths and weaknesses, and build on previously learned competencies. The result will be increased confidence and independence, while facilitating a stronger rapport with colleagues, other medical staff and patients.

In order for feedback to be effective, it has to be received well. How a recipient interprets and reacts to feedback is very important to the outcome of the teacher–learner relationship and future learning opportunities. Differing interpretations or uptakes of feedback may be based on a number of factors that include: personality, fear, confidence, context and individual reasoning processes. It is essential to develop an open dialogue between the person giving feedback and the recipient. Differences of opinion should be handled in a professional manner. Both parties should be comfortable, and able to focus on actively listening, engaging, reflecting and developing action points for future development. Effective communication is key to a successful feedback interaction.

Table 4 presents tips to the learner on receiving constructive feedback.

Tips for receiving feedback

Be a good listener

First, truly listen to what the feedback provider is saying, instead of immediately preparing a response, defence or attack. The feedback provider will feel more comfortable giving feedback if you are approachable and welcoming.

When in doubt, ask for clarification

If you did not hear it clearly the first time, politely ask for it to be repeated, then restate it in your own words. This will help you understand more about yourself and how others interpret your actions.

Embrace the feedback session as a learning opportunity

Assume that the feedback is constructive until proven otherwise, then consider and use those elements that are truly constructive. Thinking about your own actions in the context of the feedback provider’s comments is beneficial to making appropriate changes.

Remember to pause and think before responding

Your aim is to have a professional conversation that benefits you. Focus on understanding the feedback first, not on your immediate innate reaction. Reflection, and particularly self-reflection, is essential to feedback acceptance.

Avoid jumping to conclusions, and show that you are invested in the learning process and keen to improve

Ask for clarification and examples if statements are general, unclear or unsupported. It is important to validate the feedback by inviting details and specifics about the criticism. Assuming the feedback provider’s comments as reality, in the context of their perceptions and impressions, defuses your own negative feelings in the face of criticism.

Think positively and be open to helpful hints

You will get more out of the feedback session if you accept the comments positively (for consideration) rather than dismissively (for self-protection). You may disagree with the criticism if the facts are incorrect but this should be done in a graceful manner.

Learn from your mistakes and be motivated

Ask for suggestions of ways you might modify or change your behaviour. Do not be afraid to ask for advice on what and how to do differently. Seek to meet expectations and promptly address the undesired behaviours.

Be a good sport and show appreciation

Be respectful throughout the discussion and thank the person giving feedback. Being polite and appreciative will encourage future feedback.

Be proactive

Try out some of the suggestions, and make careful notes regarding any improvements and changes in behaviour. Following-up with the feedback provider enables the receiver to share how the feedback was helpful.

Giving and receiving effective feedback are skills that are central in healthcare settings. The whole process is closely linked with professional development and improved performance. Both of these impact the quality of healthcare services and patient satisfaction. Feedback should be constructive by focusing on behaviours that can be improved. Developing robust professional relationships is a prerequisite for giving/receiving constructive feedback that will act as a powerful motivator.

Conflict of interest None declared.

Feedback Mechanism Loop: Definition, Types, Examples

Feedback Mechanism Loop Types

Positive Feedback Mechanism Loop

Steps / Process / Mechanism of Positive Feedback Mechanism

1. Stimulation

2. Reception

3. Processing

4. Further activation of the stimuli

Examples of Positive Feedback Mechanism

2. Childbirth

Negative Feedback Mechanism Loop

Steps / Process / Mechanism of Negative Feedback Mechanism

4. Counteract on the stimulus

Examples of Negative Feedback Mechanism

2. Temperature regulation

Applications of Feedback mechanism

Positive vs. Negative Feedback Loop (8 Key Differences)

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Feedback Mechanism Definition

Open and Closed-Loop Feedback Mechanisms

Feedback Mechanism Types

I. Positive feedback mechanism

Positive feedback mechanism definition

Steps / Process / Mechanism of positive feedback mechanism

Positive feedback mechanism examples

II. Negative feedback mechanism

Negative feedback mechanism definition

Steps in a negative feedback mechanism

Examples of negative feedback

Positive vs. Negative Feedback Mechanism

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Example 1: Fruit Ripening

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Example 1: Temperature Regulation

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Table of Contents

What is Positive Feedback?

Positive Feedback Examples

i. Blood Clot Formation

ii. Child Birth

iii. Fruit Ripening

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