Modeling physiological dynamics

Abstract

Abstract This chapter discusses three very different conceptual frameworks that describe homeostasis, rheostasis, and allostasis: closed-loop transfer functions based on control theory for homeostasis; various models that include time-dependent components for rheostasis; and other forms of dynamical systems for allostasis. It shows how differential equations that include multiple computations incorporating feedback, time-series, and Hopfield networks are needed to develop a single unifying model that can describe the hierarchical organization of physiological stability. The chapter also shows that developing accurate models of physiological stability is hampered by the significant lack of measured values for any regulated variable that were collected based on rheostatic and allostatic experimentation. Overcoming current limitations would require massive sample collection from individuals; analysis of not only the regulated variable but also the input and output values of the sensor, controller, and effector; and, the processing power of a quantum computer to compute the equation for the vast number of physiological values and complex computations.