Which of the following is most likely to be responsible if, when your blood sugar level rises, the level of sugar goes back down to a set point?
A) a malfunction in a homeostatic mechanism based on negative feedback
B) a homeostatic mechanism based on negative feedback
C) a malfunction in a homeostatic mechanism based on positive feedback
D) a homeostatic mechanism based on positive feedback

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Homeostatic mechanisms based on negative feedback are responsible for maintaining a set point by counteracting any deviations from that set point. In this case, if blood sugar levels rise, negative feedback mechanisms would work to bring them back down to the set point. Malfunctions in these negative feedback mechanisms could lead to a failure to maintain the set point, but they are still the most likely explanation for its regulation. Homeostatic mechanisms based on positive feedback, on the other hand, would amplify rather than counteract any deviations from the set point, and are therefore less likely to be responsible for maintaining a stable blood sugar level.

Which of the Following Is Most Likely to Be Responsible