allostasis

English

Etymology

Ancient Greek ἄλλος (állos) + στάσις (stásis).

Noun

allostasis (uncountable)

1. The process of achieving stability, or homeostasis, in the body, through physiological or behavioral change.
   • 2009 August 18, Natalie Angier, “Brain Is a Co-Conspirator in a Vicious Stress Loop”, in New York Times‎^[1]:

     This system of so-called allostasis, of maintaining control through constant change, stands in contrast to the mechanisms of homeostasis that keep the pH level and oxygen concentration in the blood within a narrow and invariant range.

Related terms

• allostatic

Translations

homeostasis through physiological or behavioral change

• French: allostasie (fr) f
• Italian: allostasi f
• Portuguese: alostase f