Physiological regulators are the endogenous molecules, systems, or feedback loops that maintain homeostasis and coordinate function across different organ systems within the body. These include hormones, neurotransmitters, cytokines, and the autonomic nervous system, which collectively adjust biological processes in response to internal and external demands. They are the essential elements that govern health, metabolism, and adaptation.
Origin
This is a broad term fundamental to general physiology and endocrinology, emphasizing the concept of biological control and feedback. The term regulator highlights the control function, while physiological grounds it in the processes of the living organism. The discovery of hormones established the endocrine system as a primary class of these regulators.
Mechanism
Hormonal regulators operate by binding to specific, high-affinity receptors on target cells, initiating a cascade of intracellular signaling events that modify gene expression or enzyme activity. For instance, insulin regulates glucose metabolism by signaling cells to increase glucose uptake. The nervous system acts as a rapid regulator, using neurotransmitters to quickly adjust organ function, while the endocrine system provides sustained, systemic modulation, ensuring long-term functional stability.
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