Difference Between Positive Feedb

ack and Negative Feedback

Regarding biological mechanisms, positive and negative feedback are k

nown products of molecular and physiological processes. Both are contr
ol systems that are involved in the body’s homeostasis or the propensit
y of organisms to maintain balance and regulate their internal environ
ment. Without these feedbacks, an organism would lose its capacity to
self-regulate. Basically, positive feedback amplifies the original stimulus
while negative feedback slows it down. The following concepts expound
on their differences.

What is Positive Feedback?

In positive feedback, there is a direct positive correlation between the c
oncentration and the process rate. One good example is how the endoc
rine system regulates the release of its hormones. Particularly, oxytocin
is a hormone released by the pituitary gland during child birth. It is cr
ucial in labor and normal delivery. As the contractions increase, more
oxytocin is being produced until the child is born. Also, this chemical
has been associated with social bonding. For instance, hugging someon
e stimulates the release of oxytocin. Someone who gets (and gives) lots
of hugs also experiences an enhanced production of the said hormone.

The following enumeration outlines the phases involved in a negative f

eedback:

1. A stimulus disturbs the originally controlled variables.

2. Receptors detect the change.
3. The information travels through the system’s pathway towards t
he control center.
 4. The control center determines the appropriate action and sends
information to effector cells.
5. The initial deviation is intensified.

What is Negative Feedback?

Negative feedback controls the process rate to prevent substance accum
ulation. Contrary to positive feedback, it reflects a negative correlation
between the concentration and process rate. Most homeostatic procedur
es involve negative feedback as most mechanisms achieve equilibrium b
y going back to their original states. When the brain detects an interna
l disruption, it sends messages via the nervous system that activate per
tinent organs to return the values within normal range.

This mechanism is often likened to a heating system which gets turned

up if the perceived temperature is too low and vice versa. For exampl
e, the pancreas releases two hormones with opposite functions. Insulin
lowers down blood sugar levels while glucagon raises it up. When the
body detects that it has too much sugar, the pancreas is prompted to r
elease insulin and only stops when balance is achieved; hence, negative
feedback. Likewise, the pancreas is prompted to release glucagon whe
n it senses that the body has very low sugar and only stops when the
body has returned to its usual state.

The following enumeration outlines the phases involved in a negative f

eedback:

1. The original state is disturbed.

2. Receptors detect the change.
3. The information travels through the system’s pathway towards t
he control center.
4. The control center determines the appropriate action.
5. Equilibrium is restored by counteracting the excessive productio
n rate.

Difference between Positive and Negative Fee

dback
 1. Frequency of Positive and Negative Feedback

As compared to positive feedback, negative feedback occurs more frequ

ently among the body’s homeostatic mechanisms as many diseases is c
aused by the disruption of the original systemic state. It is then more f
amiliar while positive feedback is less observed as it is less intuitive.

2. Mechanism involved in Positive and Negative Feedba

ck

The mechanism of positive feedback supports a higher rate of producti

on or process as an action likewise increases. Thus, the result of a reac
tion is magnified. On the other hand, negative feedback inhibits the rat
e as a certain state is enhanced. Hence, the result of a reaction is inhi
bited.

3. Stability of Positive and Negative Feedback

As compared to positive feedback, negative feedback is more closely as

sociated with stability as it lessens the effects of agitations. On the con
trary, positive feedback supports exponential growth which may lean to
wards instability.

4. Change in Positive and Negative Feedback

Negative feedback generally resists changes as it makes adjustments to

bring back the system to its original state. On the other hand, positive
feedback usually supports change as a small effect is enhanced.

5. Range of Positive and Negative Feedback

As compared to negative feedback, positive feedback has a wider range

as the process rate could get exponentially multiplied. Similarly, the ra
nge is reflected when positive feedback results to more products such a
s more hormones, platelets, and the like. On the contrary, negative fee
dback leads to less products.

6. Vicious Cycle in Positive and Negative Feedback

Since positive feedback amplifies the disturbance, it is related with vici

ous cycles which could even lead to death. For instance, a positive feed
back loop occurs during fever which continually fires up metabolic cha
nges. A vicious cycle is also observed when an inflammation leads to
more damage which likewise causes inflammation. However, negative fe
edback is most often associated with maintaining good health by restor
ing homeostasis.

7. External Interruption in Positive and Negative Feedb

ack

A positive feedback often requires an external interruption for its mech

anism to stop whereas a negative feedback merely stops on its own wh
en the original state is actualized. For example, numerous positive fee
dback mechanisms occur during a progressive circulatory shock. This is
characterized by declining blood pressure that can lead to heart failur
e. In this case, medical intervention is needed for the positive feedback
to stop.

Summary of Positive vs Negative Feedback

Positive and negative feedbacks are control systems that help
regulate process rates and homeostasis in the body.
Both feedbacks are important for an organism to regulate its i
nternal processes.
In positive feedback, there is a direct positive correlation betw
een the concentration and the process rate.
Negative feedback controls the process rate to prevent substan
ce accumulation.
As compared to negative feedback, positive feedback is less fre
quent, stable, and intuitive.
Negative feedback resists change but positive feedback enhanc
es it.
Generally, positive feedback has a wider range than negative f
eedback.
Positive feedback may be associated with vicious cycles and ill
nesses while negative feedback is closely related with maintaining
good health.
 Unlike negative feedback, positive feedback may require extern
al interruption.