APPLICATION OF FEEDBACK CONTROL

SYSTEM IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEM:

FEEDBACK SYSTEM:
Output of a system reverse back to input.

TYPES OF FEEDBACK SYSTEMS:

1-NEGATIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISM:
Causes the variable to change in a direction opposite to that of the initial
change.

or

2-POSITIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISM:

Causes the variable to accelerate the change in the same direction that
the initial disturbance.

or
3-HOMEOSTASIS:
Negative feedback mechanisms reverse the direction of the change. This maintains the
constant, steady state and so represents homeostasis.

APPLICATION OF FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEM IN

BIOLOGICAL SYSTEM:

 NEGATIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISM:

1-REGULATION OF BODY TEMPERATURE:
The mechanisms that regulate homeostasis operate by feedback mechanisms. Temperature
control is an application of a negative feedback homeostatic mechanism. The region of the
brain called the hypothalamus monitors the human body's temperature. Variation from the
normal temperature of 98.6°F (37°C) triggers a response from the hypothalamus. The
temperature can be lowered by activation of glands capable of sweating, or raised by signalling
muscles to shiver to produce heat.

2-SUGAR CONTROL BY LIVER AND PANCREAS:

After a meal containing a lot of carbohydrates the sugar content of the blood will increase. As
a result the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin which brings about the lowering of the blood
sugar level.
The sugar level is lowered by insulin by the following mechanisms:
excess glucose is taken from the blood to the liver and muscles where the glucose is converted
to glycogen and stored.
1. There is increased oxidation of glucose by the cells of the body to produce energy
2. Any additional excess glucose is converted to fat and stored underneath the skin
The result of the above activities is the lowering of the blood-sugar level to its normal
value.

When the blood sugar level falls below normal (e.g. during fasting) the following corrective
actions take place:
1- The pancreas secretes the hormone glucagon
2- Glucagon promotes the breakdown of stored glycogen in the liver and muscles to
glucose
This results in the increase of the blood sugar level.
  POSITIVE FEEDBACK MECHANISM:

1-BLOOD CLOTTING:
Clotting or Coagulation is the most complex haemostatic process. The aim of the process is to
turn liquid blood into a gel. The gel is called a clot and is composed of protein fibres called
fibrin in which the formed elements of blood are trapped. The gel effectively forms a cap over a
wound.
The clotting process occurs with a positive feedback mechanism once a clot is formed it
continues to expand and external factors are required to hold it in check.

• Break or tear in blood vessel wall

• Clotting occurs as platelets adhere to site and release chemicals
• Released chemical attract more platelets
• Clotting proceeds until break is sealed by newly formed clot