Homeostatic Feedback Loops

Living organisms require a consistent internal environment, achieved through tightly regulated processes requiring continuous physiological monitoring. Homeostatic feedback loops link monitoring of a parameter to response systems that counteract detected fluctuations.

For humans, parameters under homeostatic control include blood glucose concentration, core body temperature, blood pressure, and blood volume. Neural signaling and hormone secretion control these mechanisms. Negative feedback loops stabilize and move a parameter closer to homeostatic equilibrium, while positive feedback loops create change and disrupt balance. Most processes involved in homeostasis are negative feedback loops, as the goal is to maintain internal equilibrium.