What is the term for the body’s ability to respond to stimuli?

The term for the body’s ability to respond to stimuli is known as irritability. This concept is fundamental in anatomy and physiology as it refers to the capacity of living organisms to detect changes in their environment, known as stimuli, and respond to them. This response is essential for survival and includes various physiological reactions, such as reflex actions or adjustments to maintain internal conditions.

Irritability encompasses how organisms perceive stimuli, from basic environmental changes like temperature to more complex signals, and how they elicit actions or changes in behavior. It's crucial for maintaining interactions with the environment and ensures the organism can adapt to changes that may be harmful or beneficial.

While homeostasis is important in maintaining a stable internal environment, it does not directly refer to the responsiveness to stimuli. Reactivity could suggest a general response capability, but it is not a standard term used in physiology for this concept. Metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that occur within the body to maintain life but does not specifically address the body's ability to respond to stimuli.