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Neurovisceral Integration

Meaning

The bidirectional communication and regulatory coordination between the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, and the peripheral autonomic nervous system that innervates the visceral organs. This integrative process is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, allowing emotional and cognitive states to influence physiological functions like heart rate, digestion, and hormonal secretion. Dysfunction in this integration is implicated in numerous psychosomatic and endocrine disorders.