Understanding Homeostasis---Objective 1

Whenever I think about homeostasis, the first thing I refer to is the example of the thermostat.

Negative Feedback = thermostat's response causes temperature decrease to reverse and become a temperature increase (
  • shivering in response to cooling of body during cold weather

Positive Feedback =  the thermostat's response to a dropping temperature was to switch off the furnace or to switch on the air conditioner
  • increased labor contractions stimulated by oxytocin (OT) hormone



Room Control


Feedback Loop

Human Body Regulation




The fish bowl example shows how each organ system maintains homeostasis. 

Also a cool video about how the body maintains water and glucose balance.