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Negative Feedback Loop

Meaning

A Negative Feedback Loop is a fundamental regulatory mechanism in endocrinology where the end product of a signaling cascade inhibits one or more of the upstream components, thereby maintaining hormonal concentrations within a narrow, stable physiological range. This self-limiting process is crucial for preventing overproduction or underproduction of hormones necessary for homeostasis, such as thyroid hormones or cortisol. When this loop functions correctly, it ensures system stability and prevents pathological hypersecretion. It is the essence of endocrine buffering capacity.