autoregulation

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.

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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.

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au·to·reg·u·la·tion (ôt-rgy-lshn)

n.

1. The tendency of the blood flow toward an organ or part to remain at or return to the same level despite changes in arterial pressure.

2. A biological system equipped with inhibitory feedback systems such that a given change tends to be largely or completely counteracted.

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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.

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autoregulation,

n 1. self-adjustment.
2. inherent capability to adjust one's own physiology. See also homeostasis and naturopathy.

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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.

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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.