The physiological effect of mental processes on major body systems

摘要

All of the major body systems maintain direct, two-way communication with the brain. Moreover, the brain continuously regulates the activity of these systems to optimize the body's ability to respond to environmental and internal challenges. Because the brain is able to exert profound effects on the peripheral organ systems, it is not surprising that changes in mental processes, including stress exposure and psychiatric disorders, alter the internal physiological milieu and influence medical outcomes.