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autoregulation |
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autoregulation /au·to·reg·u·la·tion/ (-reg″u-la´shun)
1. the process occurring when some mechanism within a biological system detects and adjusts for changes within the system. 2. in circulatory physiology, the intrinsic tendency of an organ or tissue to maintain constant blood flow despite changes in arterial pressure, or the adjustment of blood flow through an organ in accordance with its metabolic needs. heterometric autoregulation intrinsic mechanisms controlling the strength of ventricular contractions that depend on the length of myocardial fibers at the end of diastole. homeometric autoregulation
1. intrinsic mechanisms controlling the strength of ventricular contractions that are independent of the length of myocardial fibers at the end of diastole. 2. Anrep effect.
autoregulation Etymology: Gk, autos, self; L, regula, rule an intrinsic capacity of organs to regulate their own blood flow or metabolic activity. The former process results from the contraction or relaxation of self-excitable smooth muscle, which causes the constriction or dilation of vessels. It allows organs to maintain constant blood flow and meet their metabolic needs despite variations in systemic arterial pressure. autoregulation [aw″to-reg″u-la´shun] control of certain phenomena by factors inherent in a situation; specifically, (1) maintenance by an organ or tissue of a constant blood flow despite changes in arterial pressure, and (2) adjustment of blood flow through an organ in accordance with its metabolic needs. heterometric autoregulation those intrinsic mechanisms controlling the strength of ventricular contractions that depend on the length of myocardial fibers at the end of diastole. homeometric autoregulation those intrinsic mechanisms controlling the strength of ventricular contractions that are independent of the length of myocardial fibers at the end of diastole.
autoregulation, n 1. self-adjustment.
2. inherent capability to adjust one's own physiology. See also homeostasis and naturopathy. autoregulation control of certain phenomena by factors inherent in a situation; specifically, (1) maintenance by an organ or tissue of a constant blood flow despite changes in arterial pressure, and (2) adjustment of blood flow through an organ in accordance with its metabolic needs. heterometric autoregulation those intrinsic mechanisms controlling the strength of ventricular contractions that depend on the length of myocardial fibers at the end of diastole. homeometric autoregulation those intrinsic mechanisms controlling the strength of ventricular contractions that are independent of the length of myocardial fibers at the end of diastole. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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