Sentence:  In our attempt to interpret the emotions in their physiological and pathological range , we emphasized the importance of the <WSD>degree</WSD> of activity of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the hypothalamic system and their influence on the inhibitory and excitatory systems , respectively . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process