Friday, October 7, 2011

Negative feedback loops - Blood sugar style

Negative feedback loops make homeostasis possible. I can't imagine what a mess we would be if they didn't exist. 

One example of a negative feedback loop is our body's ability to monitor the levels of glucose in our blood. But how does this even work?

Basically, the pancreas houses receptors for monitoring these levels. Two hormones are released at different levels by the pancreas based on what its receptors are communicating. Either insulin, which helps reduce glucose levels, or glycogen, which increases glucose levels, is sent to the liver. The liver is the place where these reactions take place, since it is the store house for glycogen.

The graph below is an interpretation of the data gathered in class. I couldn't have handled pricking my finger this many times in an hour. Props, Dr. Rood. 


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