Describe how the negative and positive feedback loop play a role in the delivery of Mary Janes baby girl.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The positive feedback loop plays a critical role in the delivery of Mary Jane’s baby girl. In contrast, the negative feedback loop is more involved in restoring the body to normal after delivery.
Explanation (300 words):
In human physiology, feedback loops are mechanisms that maintain balance or amplify biological processes. Positive feedback loops enhance or increase the change that is occurring, while negative feedback loops work to reduce the effect of a stimulus and return the body to a stable state.
During childbirth, positive feedback is responsible for the progression of labor. The process begins when the baby’s head pushes against the cervix. This pressure stimulates stretch receptors in the cervix, which send nerve signals to the hypothalamus in the brain. In response, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release oxytocin into the bloodstream.
Oxytocin travels to the uterus, causing the muscles to contract more strongly. These contractions push the baby’s head further against the cervix, which leads to more stretching and thus more oxytocin release. This cycle continues to intensify until the baby is born. This is an example of a positive feedback loop, where the response (uterine contractions) increases the stimulus (cervical stretching) instead of reducing it.
After the baby is delivered, the body initiates negative feedback mechanisms to help return to a balanced state. For example, once the placenta is expelled and there is no more pressure on the cervix, oxytocin production decreases. Additionally, hormonal levels such as estrogen and progesterone begin to normalize. This helps reduce uterine contractions and stabilizes the mother’s body.
In summary, positive feedback is crucial during the active labor and delivery phase, helping to ensure the baby is born efficiently. Once birth is complete, negative feedback helps restore the mother’s body to its non-pregnant state, maintaining internal balance.