Difference between revisions of "Complex Systems"

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{{ArtBy|autore=Gianni Frisardi}}
 
'''Abstract:''' This chapter introduces the concept of "Connectivity" as it pertains to understanding "Complex Systems," with a focus on its relevance across multiple disciplines. Connectivity has evolved in various fields, yet faces ontological and epistemological challenges when applied universally. The chapter outlines key points for understanding complex systems, including defining the fundamental units of connectivity, differentiating structural from functional connectivity, and measuring the emergent behavior of such systems.
This chapter explores the complex and dynamic nature of the masticatory system through modern physics and biology, framing it as a "Complex System." Such systems are characterized by interactions among components and emergent behaviors that are not easily predictable through linear analysis. The chapter delves into "Complex Systems" theory, focusing on holistic methodologies, mathematical modeling, and self-organization.
 
The concept of "Connectivity" is introduced as crucial for understanding complex systems across various disciplines, exploring both structural and functional connectivity. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the masticatory function, increasingly recognized as a complex system due to its interactions with the central nervous system (CNS) and other distant systems.
 
Historically viewed as a peripheral function isolated to phonetics and chewing, mastication is redefined as a complex system with broad biological implications. The chapter criticizes reductionist approaches that focus solely on mechanical aspects, advocating for a model that considers the stochastic nature of biological systems where various interactions produce emergent behaviors.
 
Emergent Behavior (EB) in complex systems like mastication arises from component interactions. Understanding these interactions requires an integrated analysis, considering all components in both space and time, contrasting with traditional views that treat the masticatory system merely as mechanical processes.
 
A study highlighting the interaction between the vestibular and trigeminal systems showcases how acoustic stimuli can evoke electromyographic (EMG) responses in the masseter muscle, illustrating the integrated nature of sensory and motor responses and reinforcing the concept of the masticatory system as part of a broader interconnected system.
 
The chapter also touches on the relationship between mastication and cognitive processes, with studies using functional MRI (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) showing that mastication can increase cortical blood flow and activate various brain regions, enhancing cognitive performance.


Discussing neuroplasticity, the chapter explores how masticatory activities influence brain plasticity, particularly within the motor cortex, and highlights the potential for occlusal disharmonies to induce changes in brain function.
The masticatory system, often viewed as a peripheral function limited to chewing and phonetics, is explored here as a complex system influenced by multiple nervous centers. Historically approached through reductionist methods focusing on local maxillary functions, the chapter argues for a more holistic view that considers the system's dynamic interactions with distant central nervous system (CNS) structures. This approach challenges traditional gnathology and highlights the stochastic nature of complex biological systems where emergent behaviors arise from the interaction of various components.


In conclusion, the chapter advocates for recognizing the masticatory system as a complex system, urging a paradigm shift in its study and treatment. An interdisciplinary approach incorporating bioengineering, neurobiology, and systems theory is recommended to develop more comprehensive diagnostic and treatment methods
Mastication, long considered an isolated function, is instead framed as a process intricately linked to other bodily systems. Emerging evidence shows that it affects blood perfusion in the trigeminal nucleus and has neurophysiological connections to the vestibular system. Such interactions point to a need for rethinking diagnostic models and adopting interdisciplinary methods that integrate neurophysiological data with dental health, particularly through advanced diagnostic tools like trigeminal evoked potentials.


{{ArtBy|autore=Gianni Frisardi}}
Ultimately, this chapter sets the stage for understanding mastication not as a purely mechanical function but as part of a broader, indeterministic neural network. The term "Neuro-Gnathological Functions" is introduced, signaling a shift toward a more integrated and functional analysis of the masticatory system. This serves as the basis for further exploration in subsequent chapters, particularly in the neurophysiological and clinical realms.


==Preliminary Consideration to the Complex Systems ==
==Preliminary Consideration to the Complex Systems ==
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Hence, the object is:{{q2|<!--40-->Mastication and Cognitive Processes, as well as Brainstem and Mastication<br /><small><!--41-->these will expand in additional essential topics, such as the "Segmentation of the Trigeminal Nervous System" in the last chapter, 'Extraordinary Science'.</small>}}  
Hence, the object is:{{q2|<!--40-->Mastication and Cognitive Processes, as well as Brainstem and Mastication<br /><small><!--41-->these will expand in additional essential topics, such as the "Segmentation of the Trigeminal Nervous System" in the last chapter, 'Extraordinary Science'.</small>}}  


=== Mastication and Cognitive Processes===
===Mastication and Cognitive Processes===
In recent years, mastication has been a topic of discussion about the maintenance and support effects of cognitive performance.
In recent years, mastication has been a topic of discussion about the maintenance and support effects of cognitive performance.


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==Conclusive Considerations ==
==Conclusive Considerations==
In conclusion, it is clear from the premise, that the Masticatory system should be considered not certainly as a system simply governed by mechanical laws, but as a "Complex System" of indeterministic type, where one can quantify the "Emerging Behavior" only after stimulating it and then analysing the response evoked (Figure 2). The Neuronal System also dialogues with its own encrypted machine language (potential action and ionic currents) and, therefore, it is not possible to interpret the symptoms referred to by the patient through natural language.
In conclusion, it is clear from the premise, that the Masticatory system should be considered not certainly as a system simply governed by mechanical laws, but as a "Complex System" of indeterministic type, where one can quantify the "Emerging Behavior" only after stimulating it and then analysing the response evoked (Figure 2). The Neuronal System also dialogues with its own encrypted machine language (potential action and ionic currents) and, therefore, it is not possible to interpret the symptoms referred to by the patient through natural language.


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