The comprehensive condition of an organism at a specific point in time, encompassing all measurable biological and biochemical parameters, including hormonal concentrations, metabolic activity, and homeostatic set points. This state is dynamically regulated by the interconnectedness of the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems, constantly adapting to internal and external stimuli.
Origin
This fundamental term combines ‘physiological,’ relating to the normal function of living organisms, with ‘state,’ a condition or mode of being. It is a foundational concept in all biological and clinical sciences, representing the measurable reality of an organism’s internal function.
Mechanism
The physiological state is maintained through continuous feedback loops and allostatic regulation, where various organ systems work synergistically to maintain a stable internal environment, or homeostasis. Hormones act as key messengers, coordinating cellular activity across distant tissues to adjust core functions like temperature, pH, blood glucose, and the overall stress response to keep the organism in a viable and adaptive condition.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.