autoregulation
Definition
Noun: 1. A biological process within a cell or organism that maintains a stable internal state: Autoregulation refers to the intrinsic ability of a biological system to adjust its function or activity to maintain a relatively constant condition, without external control.
Usage
Autoregulation is a specific term used primarily in physiology and biology. It describes self-correcting mechanisms. * The autoregulation of blood flow ensures that organs receive a constant supply despite changes in blood pressure. * A key example of cellular autoregulation is the feedback loop that controls gene expression.
Advanced Usage
- "to be under autoregulation": to be controlled or maintained by such an internal process.
- Renal blood flow is under precise autoregulation to support kidney function.
- "the autoregulation of": used to specify the particular physiological parameter being regulated.
- Scientists are studying the molecular basis for the autoregulation of cerebral perfusion.
Variants and Related Words
- Autoregulate (verb): To maintain a constant state through internal adjustment.
- Some blood vessels can autoregulate their diameter.
- Autoregulatory (adjective): Of or relating to autoregulation.
- The autoregulatory mechanism was impaired in the experiment.
Synonyms
- Homeostasis: (n.) The general tendency of an organism to maintain internal stability.
- Self-regulation: (n.) The general ability to control oneself or itself without external influence.
Related Phrases
- Feedback loop: (n.) A circular process where the output of a system influences its own operation, which is the fundamental mechanism for most autoregulation.
- Negative feedback loops are essential for physiological autoregulation.
Noun
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(physiology) processes that maintain a generally constant physiological state in a cell or organism
