Physiological processes

"Physiological processes" is a broad scientific term referring to the study of functions and mechanisms in living systems at multiple organizational levels, from molecular and cellular to organ systems and whole organisms[1]. This encompasses the chemical and physical functions that organisms carry out to maintain life, including homeostatic control mechanisms and communication between cells[1].\n\nThe term represents a field of study rather than a specific therapeutic target. It includes investigation of how organ systems like the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, immune, integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, renal, reproductive, and respiratory systems function and interact[2][4]. Central to physiological processes is the maintenance of homeostasis, where the neuroendocrine system coordinates interactions between all physiological systems to control variables such as growth, nutrient balance, thermoregulation, energy balance, and osmoregulation[5].\n\nThis is fundamentally a conceptual framework used in biological and medical sciences to understand how living organisms function, not a discrete molecular entity like a receptor, enzyme, or transporter that could serve as a drug target.

Other names

Physiological functionsBiological processesLife processesPhysiological mechanismsBody functions