Positive Feedback Loops

Definition

A positive feedback loop amplifies or increases changes; this tends to move a system away from its equilibrium state and make it more unstable.

Analogy

Imagine you're blowing up a balloon. As you blow more air into it, it expands even faster until eventually...POP! It bursts. That's like a positive feedback loop - instead of stabilizing things as with negative feedback loops, they amplify or increase changes until something drastic happens (like our balloon popping).

Related terms

Childbirth (Oxytocin): During childbirth, oxytocin hormone causes contractions that become stronger and stronger – an example of positive feedback loop.

Blood clotting: When an injury occurs and bleeding begins, platelets start sticking together at wound site forming a clot – another example of positive feedback loop.

Lactation: The production and secretion of milk by mammary glands for feeding infants – also regulated by positive feedback mechanism.