---
title: "Depression (physiology)"
chunk: 1/1
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_(physiology)"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T07:27:45.334730+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

In physiology and medicine, depression  refers to a lowering, in particular a reduction in a specific biological variable or the functions of an organ. It is the opposite of elevation. For example, it is possible to refer to "depressed thyroid function" or to a depression of blood flow in a particular area.  
Further examples:

Depression of the central nervous system of an animal may be expressed as drowsiness or sleep, lack of coordination and unconsciousness.
Respiratory depression or hypoventilation.


== References ==