Negative feedback is the predominant mechanism of hormone regulation. It involves the inhibition or reduction of hormone production in response to high levels of that hormone in the blood. For example, the release of insulin from the pancreas is regulated by negative feedback. When blood sugar levels rise, insulin is released to lower blood sugar levels. Once blood sugar levels return to normal, insulin production is inhibited.
Positive feedback, on the other hand, involves the stimulation or amplification of hormone production in response to certain stimuli. This feedback mechanism is less common and usually occurs in specific situations. An example of positive feedback is the release of oxytocin during childbirth. Oxytocin stimulates contractions, leading to more oxytocin release and stronger contractions.
Neural control also plays a role in hormone regulation. The autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamus in the brain are important in coordinating the release and inhibition of hormones. The hypothalamus can also receive input from other parts of the brain or from external stimuli, adjusting hormone production accordingly.
Cyclic variations in hormone levels occur in response to natural physiological rhythms. For example, cortisol levels are highest in the morning and decrease throughout the day. This cyclic variation is regulated by the circadian rhythm and is important for maintaining normal physiological functions.
Finally, hormones can also be regulated in response to external stimuli. This includes factors such as stress, temperature changes, or changes in light exposure. These external stimuli can trigger the release or inhibition of certain hormones to adapt to the environmental changes.
general system of hormone regulation are:-
Feedback mechanisms
Negative feedback – predominant mechanism
Positive feedback
Neural control
Cyclic variations
Response to external stimuli
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