| physiological adaptation | A peculiarity of the basic physical and chemical activities that occur in cells and tissues of a species, which results in it being better fitted to its environment (for example, ability to absorb nutrients under low oxygen tensions). (09 Oct 1997) |
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| physiological | Of or pertaining to physiology; relating to the science of the functions of living organism; as, physiological botany or chemistry. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| physiological anatomy | Anatomy studied in its relation to function. Synonym: morphophysiology, physiological anatomy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| physiological chemistry | The scientific study of the chemistry of living cells, tissues, organs and organisms. (09 Oct 1997) |
| physiological drives | Those drives such as hunger and thirst which stem from the biological needs of an organism. Synonym: primary drives. (05 Mar 2000) |
| physiological homeostasis | bernard-Cannon homeostasis |
| physiological intracranial calcification | <radiology> Pineal gland, habenular commisure, choroid plexus, dura, pacchionian bodies, basal ganglia and dentate nucleus (12 Dec 1998) |
| physiological processes | The functions of living organisms and their parts, and the physical and chemical factors and processes involved. (12 Dec 1998) |
| physiological sphincter | A section of a tubular structure that acts as if it has a band of circular muscle to constrict it, although no such specialised structure can be found on morphological examination. Synonym: functional sphincter, radiological sphincter. (05 Mar 2000) |
| adaptation | 1. <cell biology> The adjustment of an organism to its environment or the process by which it enhances such fitness. 2. <ophthalmology> The normal ability of the eye to adjust itself to variations in the intensity of light, the adjustment to such variations. 3. <neurology, physiology> The decline in the frequency of firing of a neuron, particularly of a receptor, under conditions of constant stimulation. 4. <dentistry> (a) the proper fitting of a denture, (b) the degree of proximity and interlocking of restorative material to a tooth preparation, (c) the exact adjustment of bands to teeth. 5. <microbiology> The adjustment of bacterial physiology to a new environment. Origin: L. Adaptare = to fit (18 Nov 1997) |
| adaptation diseases | Disease's falling theoretically into Selye's concept of the general-adaptation syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| adaptation, ocular | The adjustment of the eye to variations in the intensity of light. Light adaptation is the adjustment of the eye when the light threshold is increased; dark adaptation when the light is greatly reduced. (12 Dec 1998) |
| adaptation, psychological | Favourable changes experienced by an individual, either as regards himself or his relationship with his environment, which lead to adjustment - also a rearrangement in mental attitude. (12 Dec 1998) |
| adaptation syndrome of Selye | General non-specific adaptation of the organism in response to specific stimuli which trigger a cycle of extensive physiological changes in the endocrine and other organ systems due to prolonged and intense stress. See: general adaptation syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| general adaptation syndrome | <syndrome> The sum of all non-specific systemic reactions of the body to long-continued exposure to systemic stress. (12 Dec 1998) |