Final answer:
A negative feedback system in the endocrine system helps maintain homeostasis by inhibiting or reducing a process. For example, blood glucose levels are regulated by insulin and glucagon in a negative feedback loop.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a negative feedback system, the output of a process inhibits or reduces the process itself. This helps to maintain homeostasis, or stability, in the body. A classic example of negative feedback in the endocrine system is the regulation of blood glucose levels by insulin and glucagon.
When blood glucose levels rise above the normal range, the pancreas releases insulin, which promotes the uptake of glucose by cells, leading to a decrease in blood glucose levels. On the other hand, when blood glucose levels are too low, the pancreas releases glucagon, which stimulates the breakdown of glycogen in the liver, thereby increasing blood glucose levels.
This sequence illustrates a negative feedback system:
- Blood glucose levels rise above the normal range.
- The pancreas releases insulin.
- Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose by cells.
- As a result, blood glucose levels decrease and return to the normal range.