How could you describe the positive feedback system that occurs during labor?

Answer 1

The process of labor is induced by the release of the hormone Oxytocin from the pituitary gland. Oxytocin causes smooth muscle contraction associated with the uterus. Uterine contraction in turn causes the release of more Oxytocin from the pituitary, which causes more contraction. this represents a positive feedback loop of increasing amounts of Oxytocin and uterine contraction. Contractions of the uterus of course result in the movement of the fetus out of the birth canal (leaving the uterus, passing through the cervix, and out through the vaginal opening.

Answer 2

After labor begins the baby's head puts pressure on the cervix, causing the cervix to stretch. This stimulates stretch receptors the trigger the mother's hypothalamus to release oxytocin, which increases the uterine contractions and pushes the baby against the cervix. This causes the cervix to stretch farther and the cycle continues.

Now, a positive feedback loop, by definition, is basically a cycle of increasing response. An external factor or event is required for the cycle to stop. In this example, the delivery of the baby is the external event. Once the baby is delivered, the uterine contractions stop, which halts the stretching of the cervix, and oxytocin is no longer released.

If the external factor is not introduced, the cycle continues. The duration of the cycle is what we refer to as labor.

Answer 3

It is a positive feedback mechanism because each contraction stimulates the release of more oxytocin which, in turn, makes the next contraction start sooner and become stronger. Think of it as saying to itself "faster and harder" over and over again as it continues in the same direction it is already going. That is positive feedback because it keeps building. A good example is a sneeze, it just keeps building up until you let it go. As a comparison, negative feedback tells the body process to slow down and change so it goes the opposite direction. AN example of that is getting chilly, and your body wants to get warmer, so it starts shivering to generate more heat.

Answer 4

During labor, positive feedback occurs when contractions of the uterus stimulate the release of oxytocin, which in turn increases the strength and frequency of contractions. This cycle continues until the baby is delivered.

Answer 5

Positive feedback.