Which of the following is a common example of positive feedback?

Which of the following is a common example of positive feedback?

• A. Relationship between T4 and TSH
• B. Release of oxytocin during child birth
• C. Thermoregulation
• D. Blood sugar regulation

Answer: (B)

The release of oxytocin during childbirth is a classic example of positive feedback in biological systems. In this context, oxytocin is released in response to uterine contractions. As the contractions intensify, more oxytocin is secreted, which in turn leads to stronger contractions. This cycle continues, creating a self-amplifying loop until the process is complete with the delivery of the baby. This mechanism is distinct because positive feedback magnifies changes or processes, leading to a definitive outcome, whereas many other physiological processes, like those mentioned in the other choices, primarily involve negative feedback. Negative feedback mechanisms work to maintain homeostasis by reversing changes (such as in thermoregulation or blood sugar regulation), while positive feedback pushes the system further away from its starting conditions until a specific event occurs.

The release of oxytocin during childbirth is a classic example of positive feedback in biological systems. In this context, oxytocin is released in response to uterine contractions. As the contractions intensify, more oxytocin is secreted, which in turn leads to stronger contractions. This cycle continues, creating a self-amplifying loop until the process is complete with the delivery of the baby.

This mechanism is distinct because positive feedback magnifies changes or processes, leading to a definitive outcome, whereas many other physiological processes, like those mentioned in the other choices, primarily involve negative feedback. Negative feedback mechanisms work to maintain homeostasis by reversing changes (such as in thermoregulation or blood sugar regulation), while positive feedback pushes the system further away from its starting conditions until a specific event occurs.