Neurophysiological Perspective on Allostasis and Homeostasis: Dynamic Adaptation in Viable Systems

Abstract

Allostasis is a physiological principle based on a dynamic regulatory system, contrary to homeostasis, in which the goal is to reach a steady state and recover from deviation from a set point in the internal envi-ronment. The concept of allostasis has continued to develop with advances in the field of neuroscience. In this short review, the author presents several new find-ings in neuroscience and extend the concept of allosta-sis as mutual regulation between cognitive, somatic, and autonomic systems. In this manner, biological systems adapt to external and internal environments by changing themselves.