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Difference between revisions of "Complex Systems"
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This chapter explores the complex and dynamic nature of the masticatory system through the lens of modern physics and biology, framing it as a "Complex System." Such systems are characterized by their components' interaction and the emergence of behaviors that are not easily predictable through linear analysis. The chapter delves into the theory of "Complex Systems," focusing on holistic investigation methodologies, mathematical modeling, and the concept of self-organization. | |||
Preliminary Consideration on Connectivity | |||
The chapter introduces "Connectivity" as a crucial concept for understanding complex systems across various disciplines. It explores both structural and functional connectivity, emphasizing the challenges of using connectivity to comprehensively understand complex systems. This discussion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the masticatory function, which is increasingly recognized as a complex system due to its interactions with the central nervous system (CNS) and other distant functional systems. | |||
Mastication as a Complex System | |||
Historically viewed as a peripheral function isolated to phonetics and chewing, mastication is redefined here as a complex system with broad biological implications. The chapter criticizes reductionist approaches that focus solely on the mechanical aspects of mastication, advocating instead for a model that considers the stochastic nature of biological systems where various interactions produce emergent behaviors. | |||
Emergent Behavior and Systems Analysis | |||
Emergent Behavior (EB) in complex systems like mastication arises from the interaction of various system components. The chapter argues that understanding these interactions requires an integrated analysis, considering all constituent components in both space and time. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional views that treat the masticatory system as merely a set of mechanical processes. | |||
Vestibular and Trigeminal System Interaction | |||
A study highlighting the interaction between the vestibular and trigeminal systems is discussed, showcasing how acoustic stimuli can evoke electromyographic (EMG) responses in the masseter muscle. This example illustrates the integrated and complex nature of the body's sensory and motor responses, reinforcing the concept of the masticatory system as part of a broader interconnected system. | |||
Cognitive Processes and Mastication | |||
The chapter touches on the relationship between mastication and cognitive processes. Studies using functional MRI (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have shown that mastication can increase cortical blood flow and activate various brain regions, thereby enhancing cognitive performance. This section underscores the significance of maintaining masticatory function not only for oral health but also for cognitive health. | |||
Neuroplasticity and Masticatory Function | |||
Discussing neuroplasticity, the chapter explores how masticatory activities influence the brain's plasticity, particularly within the motor cortex. This section emphasizes the potential for occlusal disharmonies to induce changes in brain function, highlighting the importance of considering neuroplastic effects in dental and orthodontic treatments. | |||
Conclusion and Future Directions | |||
In concluding, the chapter advocates for a paradigm shift in how the masticatory system is studied and treated. By recognizing it as a complex system, dental professionals can better understand and address the interconnected factors influencing masticatory function. The discussion calls for an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates bioengineering, neurobiology, and system theory to develop more comprehensive diagnostic and treatment methods.<blockquote> | |||
== Keywords == | |||
'''Complex Systems''' - Refers to systems composed of interconnected parts that exhibit behaviors not evident from the properties of the individual parts. This keyword targets discussions on systems theory and its application in understanding biological complexities. | |||
'''Masticatory System''' - Focuses on the biological system responsible for chewing and mastication, which involves the teeth, jaw, and related muscular and neural structures. This keyword is relevant for content related to dental and oral health studies. | |||
'''Connectivity in Biology''' - Pertains to the concept of how biological components (cells, organs, and systems) are interconnected and interact within an organism, emphasizing a holistic approach to studying biological functions. | |||
'''Emergent Behavior''' - Describes behaviors in a system that arise from the interactions of simpler elements of the system, which cannot be predicted by considering each element separately. This is crucial in studies that apply complexity science to biology. | |||
'''Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs)''' - A specific type of test used in neurology and audiology to assess the function of the vestibular (balance) system which is interconnected with the masticatory system. | |||
'''Cognitive Function and Mastication''' - Examines the relationship between chewing and cognitive health, focusing on how mastication can impact brain function and cognitive performance, particularly in aging populations. | |||
'''Neuroplasticity''' - The ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections. Key in understanding how masticatory functions can affect brain adaptability. | |||
'''Trigeminal System''' - Related to the trigeminal nerve, the main sensory nerve of the face and a key part of the masticatory system. It is essential for transmitting sensory information and for motor control related to facial expressions and chewing. | |||
'''Interdisciplinary Approach''' - Involves integrating knowledge and methods from different disciplines, using a synthesis of approaches to address complex problems, particularly effective in the study of complex systems like mastication. | |||
'''Dental Bioengineering''' - Combines the principles of bioengineering with dental science to innovate and improve dental treatments and technologies, particularly in understanding and enhancing the masticatory system.</blockquote>{{ArtBy|autore=Gianni Frisardi}} | |||
==Preliminary Consideration== | ==Preliminary Consideration == | ||
In recent years, parallel developments in different disciplines have focused on what has been called "Connectivity", a concept used to understand and describe the "Complex Systems". The conceptualizations and functionalisations of connectivity have evolved widely within their disciplinary boundaries, but there are clear similarities in this concept and in its application across the disciplines. However, any implementation of the concept of connectivity involves both ontological and epistemological constraints, which lead us to wonder if there is a type or set of connectivity approaches that could be applied to all disciplines. In this review, we explore four ontological and epistemological challenges in using connectivity to understand complex systems from the point of view of very different disciplines. | In recent years, parallel developments in different disciplines have focused on what has been called "Connectivity", a concept used to understand and describe the "Complex Systems". The conceptualizations and functionalisations of connectivity have evolved widely within their disciplinary boundaries, but there are clear similarities in this concept and in its application across the disciplines. However, any implementation of the concept of connectivity involves both ontological and epistemological constraints, which lead us to wonder if there is a type or set of connectivity approaches that could be applied to all disciplines. In this review, we explore four ontological and epistemological challenges in using connectivity to understand complex systems from the point of view of very different disciplines. | ||
In the Chapter 'Connectivity and Complex Systems', we will finally introduce the concept of: | In the Chapter 'Connectivity and Complex Systems', we will finally introduce the concept of: | ||
#defining the fundamental unit for the study of connectivity; | #defining the fundamental unit for the study of connectivity; | ||
#splitting the structural connectivity from functional connectivity; | # splitting the structural connectivity from functional connectivity; | ||
#understanding of emerging behaviour; and | #understanding of emerging behaviour; and | ||
#measuring connectivity. | #measuring connectivity. | ||
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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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| OCLC = | | OCLC = | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
==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. | ||