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Biochemical Feedback Loops

Meaning

Biochemical Feedback Loops describe the regulatory circuits within the human system where the concentration of a substance, often a hormone, directly influences the production or secretion of that same substance or its precursor. These loops are fundamental to maintaining endocrine stability, ensuring that hormonal concentrations remain within narrow, functional physiological ranges. Disruption to these checks and balances can lead to hypo- or hyperfunction of entire axes, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Understanding these loops is central to diagnosing and treating many endocrine disorders.