allostasis
noun
al·lo·sta·sis
ˌa-lō-ˈstā-səs
: the process by which a state of internal, physiological equilibrium is maintained by an organism in response to actual or perceived environmental and psychological stressors
Therefore, allostasis is the process that keeps the organism alive and functioning, i.e. maintaining homeostasis or "maintaining stability through change" and promoting adaptation and coping, at least in the short run.—Bruce S. McEwen, Neurobiology of Aging, 2002
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