How do feed-forward and feedback hormonal regulation differ?

• A. Both responses are identical in mechanism.
• B. Feedback regulation responds to a change to restore homeostasis; feed-forward anticipates changes to adjust before they occur.
• C. Feed-forward regulation responds to a change to restore homeostasis; feedback anticipates changes.
• D. Only feedback involves hormones.

Answer: (B)

Feed-forward and feedback regulation differ in timing and purpose. Feedback regulation acts after a change has occurred, detecting the deviation from the set point and adjusting hormone levels to bring the system back toward balance, thereby restoring homeostasis. Feed-forward regulation, by contrast, anticipates upcoming changes and begins adjustments before they occur, using cues or rhythms to prepare the body for what’s ahead. An example is insulin release in the cephalic phase of digestion, where the body preps for rising glucose even before it appears in the blood. The distinction is that feedback is reactive to current conditions, while feed-forward is proactive.