Eugene L.

Codis

BSMB - II

Gen. Physiology

Positive Feedback Mechanism

A positive feedback mechanism is the exact opposite of a negative feedback

mechanism. With negative feedback, the output reduces the original effect of the
stimulus. In a positive feedback system, the output enhances the original stimulus. A
good example of a positive feedback system is child birth. During labor, a hormone
called oxytocin is released that intensifies and speeds up contractions. The increase in
contractions causes more oxytocin to be released and the cycle goes on until the baby
is born. The birth ends the release of oxytocin and ends the positive feedback
mechanism.

Example of Positive Feedback Mechanism

Coagulation, also known as clotting, is the process by which blood changes from a
liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot. It potentially results in homeostasis, the cessation
of blood loss from a damaged vessel, followed by repair. The mechanism of
coagulation involves activation, adhesion and aggregation of platelets, as well as
deposition and maturation of fibrin.

Coagulation begins almost instantly after an injury to the blood vessel has damaged
the endothelium lining the blood vessel. Exposure of blood to the subendothelial
space initiates two processes: changes in platelets, and the exposure of subendothelial
tissue factor to plasma factor VII, which ultimately leads to cross-linked fibrin
formation. Platelets immediately form a plug at the site of injury; this is called
primary homeostasis. Secondary homeostasis occurs simultaneously: additional
coagulation (clotting) factors beyond factor VII (listed below) respond in a cascade to
form fibrin strands, which strengthen the platelet plug.
Disorders of coagulation are disease states which can result in hemorrhage, bruising,
or thrombosis.

Coagulation is highly conserved throughout biology. In all mammals, coagulation

involves both a cellular (platelet) and a protein (coagulation factor) component.The
system in humans has been the most extensively researched and is the best
understood.