For example, if the output becomes too great, it acts through the feedback loop to reduce itself. The use of feedback as the fundamental control mechanism for machinery occurs in automation . Living organisms possess feedback control systems of great complexity. Such feedback can be termed voluntary, since it is to some extent under conscious control. Automatic, involuntary feedback is constantly taking place as well, controlling processes such as respiration, circulation, digestion, and maintenance of body temperature.
Feedback is one of the main concerns of cybernetics .
See control systems . See also biofeedback . The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.