Functional Reserve Capacity quantifies the excess physiological capacity a system, such as the HPA axis or the gonadal axis, possesses beyond what is strictly required for basal metabolic maintenance under non-stressed conditions. It functions as the critical biological buffer against acute or chronic physiological demand. A robust reserve is a marker of health.
Origin
Originating from systems biology and physiology, this concept evaluates a system’s resilience by examining the measurable difference between its maximal functional output and its resting state output. Capacity speaks directly to the mobilization potential inherent in the system.
Mechanism
This capacity is governed by the dynamic range of neuroendocrine axes, specifically measured by the maximum achievable response, such as the peak ACTH or cortisol output during maximal stimulation testing, relative to baseline. Maintaining a high reserve is indicative of robust HPA axis health and efficient hormonal feedback regulation.
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