Neurological Regulation is the complex, intrinsic process by which the central and peripheral nervous systems continuously monitor, integrate, and adjust internal physiological functions, including cardiovascular dynamics, gastrointestinal motility, and endocrine secretion, to maintain a stable internal environment. This regulatory capacity is essential for all homeostatic functions and represents the body’s moment-to-moment management system. The efficiency of this regulation is a primary determinant of an individual’s resilience to stress and environmental change.
Origin
This is a foundational concept in human physiology, rooted in the study of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the central nervous system’s control over visceral functions. The clinical relevance has been amplified by research into heart rate variability (HRV) as a proxy measure for ANS balance. It is the biological mechanism underlying the body’s automatic self-correction.
Mechanism
Regulation is executed primarily through the autonomic nervous system, which operates via the balance between the sympathetic (stress, action) and parasympathetic (rest, digest) branches. The vagus nerve is a major conduit for parasympathetic signaling. Chronic stress tilts this balance toward sympathetic dominance, which in turn leads to the dysregulation of the HPA axis and suppression of the reproductive axis. Therapeutic efforts aim to restore parasympathetic tone to re-establish this critical balance.
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