Anatomy Practice Exam

What is positive feedback characterized by?

1. Counteracting physiological changes

2. Regulating bodily functions to maintain homeostasis

3. Amplifying physiological changes to move away from a steady state

4. Maintaining a constant internal temperature

The correct answer is: Amplifying physiological changes to move away from a steady state

Positive feedback is characterized by amplifying physiological changes to move away from a steady state. This process occurs when a change in a certain direction induces further changes in the same direction. It is different from negative feedback, which aims to counteract deviations and maintain a stable environment, or homeostasis. A clear example of positive feedback can be seen in childbirth, where the release of oxytocin increases contractions, leading to more oxytocin being released, thus enhancing the process until delivery occurs. This mechanism is designed to push the system further away from the initial state to achieve a specific physiological end point. In contrast, the other options relate to negative feedback mechanisms, which work to stabilize bodily functions and maintain homeostasis rather than amplify changes.