Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 15: Problem 4

Give an example of the negative feedback relationship among the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary, and other endocrine glands. (page 332 )

Short Answer

Expert verified
An example of a negative feedback relationship among the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and other endocrine glands is the thyroid hormone regulation. The hypothalamus, in response to low thyroid hormone levels, releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), leading the anterior pituitary to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which then signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). As thyroid hormone levels rise, the hypothalamus reduces TRH production, subsequently decreasing TSH from the anterior pituitary and lowering the production and release of thyroid hormones, thus maintaining hormonal homeostasis.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Negative Feedback

Negative feedback is a process in which the output of a system acts to reduce or counteract any change from its set point. It is a crucial mechanism for maintaining homeostasis within an organism. For endocrine systems, a negative feedback loop exists between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and other endocrine glands, preventing the overproduction or underproduction of hormones.
02

Introduce the example of Thyroid hormone regulation

The thyroid hormone regulation is a classic example of a negative feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and other endocrine glands (thyroid gland, in this case). In response to low thyroid hormone levels in the bloodstream, the hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). This, in turn, stimulates the anterior pituitary to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which then signals the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
03

Describe the negative feedback mechanism

The negative feedback loop in thyroid hormone regulation occurs when the levels of thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) in the blood rise. High levels of these hormones signal the hypothalamus to reduce the production of TRH. When the levels of TRH decrease, it causes the anterior pituitary gland to decrease the production of TSH. As a result, the thyroid gland reduces the production and release of thyroid hormones, ultimately maintaining homeostasis.
04

Conclude by summarizing the example

In summary, the negative feedback relationship between the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and the thyroid gland ensures the maintenance of optimal thyroid hormone levels in the body. The hypothalamus releases TRH in response to low thyroid hormone levels, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release TSH. TSH then activates the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones. Once the thyroid hormone levels increase, this information is sensed by the hypothalamus, and the negative feedback loop then acts to prevent excessive production of hormones, maintaining homeostasis.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

PTH causes the blood levels of calcium to ________ and calcitonin causes it to ________ a. increase, increase b. increase, decrease c. decrease, increase d. decrease, decrease

Discuss the action of growth hormone on the body. What occurs if there is too much or too little GH during the growing years? What occurs if there if too much GH in an adult? (pages \(334-35\) )

Explain how the thyroid and parathyroid glands work together to maintain blood calcium homeostasis. (pages \(336-37\) )

Lack of aldosterone will cause a blood imbalance of .a. sodium. b. potassium. c. water. d. All of these are correct. e. None of these is correct.

The anterior pituitary controls the secretion(s) of both a. the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. b. thyroid and adrenal cortex. c. ovaries and testes. d. Both b and c are correct.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Cell Cycle

Read Explanation

Microbiology

Read Explanation

Cells

Read Explanation

Biology Experiments

Read Explanation

Cell Communication

Read Explanation

Ecosystems

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free