Feedforward regulation anticipates changes in which variable?

• A. Unregulated variables
• B. Environmental variables
• C. Regulated variables
• D. External conditions

Answer: (C)

Feedforward regulation is a physiological mechanism that anticipates changes in a specific set of parameters within the body, primarily focusing on regulated variables. These are the variables that are actively controlled by physiological processes to maintain homeostasis, such as blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and body temperature.

In feedforward regulation, the body uses sensory information to predict a demand or challenge that could affect these regulated variables and initiates an anticipatory response to mitigate any potential disruption before it occurs. For example, the body might increase insulin secretion in anticipation of rising blood glucose levels after consuming food. This proactive adjustment helps to maintain stability and efficiency in physiological functions.

This concept differs from variables that are unregulated, which do not have specific homeostatic control mechanisms; environmental variables, which can indeed influence regulated variables but aren't the focus of feedforward regulation; and external conditions, which refer more broadly to the surrounding environment rather than the internal physiological states that need regulation. Thus, the correct focus on regulated variables clarifies the key role of feedforward regulation in maintaining homeostasis.