Feedback and homeostasis
Homeostasis is dynamic regulation around a functional range, not an absolutely constant internal environment. In negative feedback, sensors and effectors reduce the original deviation. Positive feedback increases a process and is useful when a rapid, decisive transition is needed. Judge feedback by the direction of the loop, not whether the result seems good or bad. A pathway can also include feedback inhibition when a downstream product inhibits an earlier step.
MAKE IT CONCRETE
After blood glucose rises, insulin promotes processes that lower it. During clotting, activated platelets recruit additional platelets until the damaged area is sealed.
DON’T FALL FOR THIS
Positive does not mean beneficial, and negative does not mean harmful. Those words describe the loop direction.