Homeostasis

A built-in, automated property of a system that executes and monitors events essential to the existance of the system, such as animal breathing and instinct. It is a self-regulating mechanism that allows a system to avoid paying detailed attention to its most basic functions therby helping keep it in a steady state.(Koestler, 1967)

Compiled by

Keith Cunningham kc3@cec.wustl.edu Last updated 10/31/94