Definition of Homeostasis

1. Noun. (physiology) metabolic equilibrium actively maintained by several complex biological mechanisms that operate via the autonomic nervous system to offset disrupting changes.

Category relationships: Physiology
Generic synonyms: Equilibrium
Derivative terms: Homeostatic

Definition of Homeostasis

1. Noun. (physiology) The ability of a system or living organism to adjust its internal environment to maintain a stable equilibrium; such as the ability of warm-blooded animals to maintain a constant temperature. ¹

2. Noun. Such a dynamic equilibrium or balance. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Homeostasis

1. [n -STASES]

Medical Definition of Homeostasis

1. A tendency to stability in the normal body states (internal environment) of the organism. It is achieved by a system of control mechanisms activated by negative feedback, for example a high level of carbon dioxide in extracellular fluid triggers increased pulmonary ventilation, which in turn causes a decrease in carbon dioxide concentration. Origin: Gr. Stasis = stoppage (04 Nov 1997)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Homeostasis

homeopathists
homeopaths
homeopathy
homeophone
homeophones
homeophony
homeoplasia
homeoplastic
homeoprophylaxis
homeoprotein
homeorhesis
homeorrhesis
homeoses
homeosis
homeostases
homeostasis (current term)
homeostatic
homeostatic equilibrium
homeostatic lag
homeostatically
homeotherapeutic
homeotherapy
homeotherm
homeothermal
homeothermic
homeothermies
homeotherms
homeothermy
homeotic
homeotic gene

Literary usage of Homeostasis

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Neuroscience of Mental Health: A Report on Neuroscience Research edited by Stephen H. Koslow (1997)
"homeostasis Though research on the regulation of adaptive behavioral states covers a broad range of systems, much of this work ultimately relates to the ..."

2. Carcinogenic Potency Database, Endocrine Disruptors edited by Lois Swirsky Gold (2000)
"The contents of this manuscript reflect the opinions of the authors, who were members of a working group on homeostasis and Endocrine Function in Adults and ..."

3. Neither Created Nor Evolved: Living Joyously Without a Creator by Walter Prytulak (2001)
"homeostasis homeostasis, refers to the maintenance of internal ... In homeostasis of water it is the property of water thai is responsible for it. ..."

4. Reviews in Environmental Health (1998): Toxicological Defense Mechanics edited by Gary E. R. Hook, George W. Lucier (2000)
"Cell number homeostasis depends on an integrated balance between mitosis and apoptosis such that during normal cell turnover the rates of these two ..."

5. The Second Australasian Conference on Interactive Entertainment: Proceedings by Yusuf Pisan, SIGART. (2005)
"Antonio Damasio argues that in general the emotions are involved in representing to an organism the immediate and extended demands of homeostasis, ..."

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