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Stress Adaptation Mechanisms

Meaning

The complex, interconnected physiological and biochemical pathways that allow an organism to maintain homeostasis and function effectively in the face of acute or chronic physical, psychological, or metabolic stressors. These mechanisms primarily involve the coordinated response of the neuroendocrine system, notably the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Robust adaptation capacity is a key indicator of resilience and overall hormonal health.