Thursday, October 29, 2009

bio (1029) - MaB: feedback mechanisms

today we went over feedback mechanisms, which included many of the examples from yesterady.

in cold/hot temperatures.. the body adjusts, as discussed.

liver releases insulin or pancreas releases glucagon depending on sugar levels, and the kidneys regulate the water in blood/urine.

now these are negative feedback mechanisms, which means that when receptors detect change, the body acts in an opposite way.

examples of this in technology (for comparison) include: air conditioners, kettles, irons and fridges (for thermostuff anyway)

positive feedback mecahnisms are the opposite, when receptors detect change.. they support that. one example would be a woman's uterus expanding when it senses a baby coming out. beautiful, no? -.-

the part of the brain in charge with these feedback mechanisms is the hypothalamus

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