Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a good example of a positive feedback mechanism in the human body?
A
Regulation of blood glucose levels by insulin
B
The release of oxytocin during childbirth to intensify uterine contractions
C
Control of blood pressure by baroreceptors
D
Thermoregulation to maintain body temperature
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of positive feedback mechanisms. Positive feedback amplifies a response or process in the body, rather than stabilizing it. It is less common than negative feedback and typically occurs in processes that need to be pushed to completion.
Step 2: Review the examples provided in the question. Identify which processes involve amplification of a response rather than stabilization. For instance, regulation of blood glucose levels by insulin and thermoregulation are examples of negative feedback mechanisms, as they aim to maintain homeostasis.
Step 3: Focus on the example of oxytocin release during childbirth. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, and these contractions, in turn, signal the release of more oxytocin. This creates a cycle that intensifies the contractions until childbirth is complete, which is characteristic of positive feedback.
Step 4: Compare this to the other examples, such as control of blood pressure by baroreceptors. Baroreceptors work to stabilize blood pressure, which is a negative feedback mechanism, not positive feedback.
Step 5: Conclude that the release of oxytocin during childbirth is the correct example of a positive feedback mechanism, as it amplifies the process to achieve a specific outcome (childbirth).