title: Depression (physiology)
text: # Depression (physiology)
  
  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.
  