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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback mechanism in the human body?
A
Action potential propagation in neurons
B
Regulation of blood glucose levels by insulin
C
Blood clotting process
D
Release of oxytocin during childbirth
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of negative feedback mechanisms: Negative feedback is a process that counteracts a change in a physiological variable to maintain homeostasis. When a change is detected, the system responds to reverse the direction of that change.
Identify the role of insulin in blood glucose regulation: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps lower blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels rise, insulin is released to facilitate the uptake of glucose by cells, thereby reducing blood glucose levels.
Recognize how insulin exemplifies negative feedback: In the regulation of blood glucose levels, the increase in glucose triggers the release of insulin, which acts to decrease glucose levels, thus reversing the initial change and maintaining homeostasis.
Differentiate between negative and positive feedback: Positive feedback amplifies a change or process, such as the release of oxytocin during childbirth, which intensifies contractions. Negative feedback, like insulin regulation, works to stabilize and counteract changes.
Conclude why regulation of blood glucose levels by insulin is a negative feedback mechanism: The process involves detecting a rise in blood glucose, responding by releasing insulin, and subsequently lowering glucose levels, which exemplifies the counteractive nature of negative feedback.