Use the image to answer the question.
Posterior pituitary releases oxytocin
Oxytocin stimulates the release of breast milk
Baby suckles at breast
Oxytocin is a hormone synthesized by hypothalamic neurons and released by the pituitary gland. The release of oxytocin is regulated by a feedback loop represented in the diagram. Explain why this is an example of positive feedback regulation. Predict what occurs when a baby is weaned and no longer breastfeeds
This is an example of positive feedback regulation because the initial stimulus (baby suckling at breast) leads to an increase in oxytocin release, which further stimulates the release of breast milk. This creates a cycle where the stimulus leads to an even greater response.
When a baby is weaned and no longer breastfeeds, the stimulus of suckling is removed. This would result in a decrease in oxytocin release and the production of breast milk would gradually decrease and stop altogether as the feedback loop is no longer being activated.