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.
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