Word of the Day: ALLOSTASIS
Stability through change
allostasis (noun) - the active, adaptive processes of achieving homeostasis through change in anticipation of physiological requirements; a physiological mechanism of predictive regulation [al-uh-stey-sis]
BREAKDOWN: ALLO- (different) + STAS- (to stand) + -SIS (state or condition)
allostatic means achieving or maintaining stability through change
allostatic load refers to ways in which the body’s stress response systems become overloaded, leading to fatigue and damage
See also: apostasy
“It is hard to fix one major problem in the body without knocking something else out of balance--the very essence of allostasis spreading across systems throughout the body.” —Robert M. Sapolsky
[Fun Word Friday introduces more advanced or technical words that are based on word roots. Yes, these words may still be tested on standardized exams. Try to use this word in a sentence today!]
The ALLO- prefix is doing heavy lifting here. Where homeostasis (HOMEO- = same) promises stability by keeping things constant, allostasis flips the script: stability *through* change. It's almost paradoxical until you think about how your heart rate has to spike during a sprint so you can keep running smoothly.
Love the link to apostasy too - APO- (away) + STAS- (to stand). Standing away, standing different. The STAS- root family is surprisingly rich.