Possible Essay Questions

What is the difference between a positive and a negative feedback loop?

A positive feedback loop causes a self-amplifying cycle where a physiological change leads to even greater change in the same direction. A negative feedback loop is a process in which the body senses a change, and activates mechanisms to reverse that change.

What is anatomical position and why is it important?

Anatomical position is the position with the body erect with the arms at the sides and the palms forward. The anatomical position is used as a standard reference point for directional terms regardless of the actual position of the body. The anatomical position is important because anatomic terms such as anterior and posterior, medial and lateral, superior and inferior, and so on, apply to the body when it is in the anatomical position.

Describe a negative feedback loop in homeostasis.

Osmoregulation by the nervous and endocrine systems: Normal water balance increases and is detected by osmoreceptors in he hypothalamus. The hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland to release less ADH. Less ADH is released from posterior pituitary, less water reabsorbed from kidney tubules and to the bloodstream. Normal water balance decreases and is detected by osmoregulators in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland to release more ADH. More ADH is released from posterior pituitary, more water reabsorbed from kidney tubules and into bloodstream