Autoregulation

Autoregulation is a process within many biological systems, resulting from some internal adaptive mechanism that works to adjust (or mitigate) the systems response to stimuli. While most systems of the body show some degree of autoregulation, it is most clearly observed in the kidney, the heart, and the brain.^[1] Perfusion of these organs (especially the latter two) is essential for life, and through autoregulation the body can divert blood (and thus, oxygen) where it is most needed.

Cerebral autoregulation

More so than most other organs, the brain is very sensitive to overperfusion, and cerebral autoregulation plays an important role in maintaining an appropriate blood pressure to that region. More detail is available at Cerebral perfusion pressure.

Homeometric autoregulation

Homeometric autoregulation, in the context of the circulatory system, is the heart's ability to increase contractility and restore stroke volume when afterload increases.^[2] This is in contrast to heterometric regulation.

See also

Look up autoregulation in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• Self-regulation
• Homeostasis
• Renin-angiotensin system

References

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