homeostasis
/ˌhoʊmi.oʊˈsteɪsɪs/
Definition
The biological tendency of a system to maintain internal stability and consistent physiological states despite external changes or pressures.
Etymology
The term is derived from the Greek words 'homoios' (similar) and 'stasis' (standing still). It was coined in the early 20th century by physiologist Walter Cannon to describe the body's ability to regulate its internal environment.
In the news
In this article, the author explains how Freud anticipated the modern neuroscientific view that the mind works to maintain a stable, predictable model of the world. Homeostasis serves as the biological foundation for why we prefer familiar (even if harmful) patterns over the instability of the unknown.
Modern Neuroscience Is Starting to Look Surprisingly Similar to Freud’s Theory of the Mind
Read the full article ↗The Debrief