8 topics with a brief review: definitions, key facts, and classroom questions.
In this section, we examine P.K. Anokhin's theory of functional systems—the foundation for understanding goal-directed behavior in humans and animals. You will learn how any behavioral act is formed and which neurophysiological mechanisms implicitly control our actions.
We will sequentially go through all stages of systemic architectonics: from afferent synthesis and decision making to the formation of the action result acceptor. We will separately analyze efferent synthesis and the final stage—evaluation of action results via feedback (reverse afferentation). In exams and colloquia, professors most frequently demand a detailed breakdown of the structure of afferent synthesis (dominant motivation, situational and triggering afferentation, memory) and the matching mechanisms within the acceptor.
Additionally, this section covers the classical types of higher nervous activity (HNA) and pathological breakdowns of nervous processes using the example of experimental neuroses. This knowledge is critically important not only for successfully passing normal physiology, but also for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases in future clinical practice.
What does the principle of isomorphism mean in the theory of functional systems?
The principle of isomorphism means that the architecture of a behavioral act is universal and identical for behavioral acts of absolutely any complexity, up to human mental activity.
Why is afferent synthesis called the "stage of doubts"?
At this stage, a dynamic sorting of a massive array of information takes place: the brain evaluates internal needs, the current environment, and past experience. The organism effectively "weighs" options before making a decision.
What serves as the informational outcome of afferent synthesis?
The informational outcome of afferent synthesis processes is the decision-making stage, during which a single dominant decision is selected from multiple alternatives.
At what stage of the behavioral act is the acceptor formed?
It is formed strictly prior to the execution of the action itself, preceding the output of excitation to muscles and organs.
What is the physiological basis of the goal-setting process?
The basis for maintaining a goal is the reverberation of excitation—the prolonged maintenance of activity through recurrent neural loops within the action result acceptor.
What is the action result acceptor (ARA)?
This is a neuronal apparatus that encodes the program of the anticipated result. Within it, this program is compared with the actual achieved parameters arriving via reverse afferentation channels.
Master the entire topic in the "Physiology" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
4,128 pages of study guides covering all topics
Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium