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Long-Term Physiological Adaptations

Meaning

Long-Term Physiological Adaptations are enduring structural and functional changes that occur across organ systems over a period of months to years, representing the body’s new, stable state of equilibrium in response to chronic environmental or therapeutic pressures. These adaptations move beyond acute responses to establish a sustained alteration in homeostatic set points. Clinically, they dictate the lasting impact of interventions like chronic exercise, caloric restriction, or hormonal therapy.