Functional system theory P.K. (Anokhin). Functional system of behavior. Functional system theory of Anokhin P. (new approaches to optimization of management activities)

Much research in the field of artificial intelligence faces the problem of the current lack of any powerful theory of consciousness and brain activity. In fact, we have rather limited knowledge about how the brain learns and achieves adaptive results. However, at the moment there is a noticeable increase in the mutual influence of the field of artificial intelligence and neurobiology. Based on the results of mathematical modeling of brain activity, new goals are set for experiments in the field of neurobiology and psychophysiology, and the experimental data of biologists, in turn, largely influence the vector of AI development.

Based on the above, it becomes clear that the future successful development of bionic AI requires close collaboration between mathematicians and neuroscientists, which will ultimately be fruitful for both fields. For this, in particular, it is necessary to study modern advances in theoretical neurobiology.

At the moment, there are three most developed and partly experimentally tested theories of the structure of consciousness in the field of theoretical neurobiology: the theory of functional systems by P.K. Anokhin, the theory of selection of neuronal groups (neuroDarwinism) by Gerald Edelman and the theory of global information spaces by Jean-Pierre Change (originally formulated by Bernard Baars). The remaining theories are either modifications of the ones mentioned or are not confirmed by any experimental data. This article will discuss the first of these theories - Theories of functional systems P.K. Anokhina.

Paradigms of reactivity and activity

Rice. 1. Two paradigms of neurophysiology - reactivity and activity

In accordance with the reactivity paradigm, a stimulus is followed by a reaction - behavioral in an individual, impulse in a neuron. In the latter case, the impulse of a presynaptic neuron is considered as a stimulus.

In accordance with the activity paradigm, action ends with the achievement of a result and its evaluation. The diagram includes a model of the future result: for a person, for example, contact with a target object.

According to the reactivity approach, the agent should not be active in the absence of stimuli. On the contrary, when using the activity paradigm, we can allow a case where the agent did not receive any stimulus from the external environment, however, according to the agent’s expectations, it should have arrived. In this case, the agent will act and learn to eliminate the mismatch, which could not be the case in the case of the simplest unconditional response of the agent to a stimulus from the external environment.

Functional systems theory

Rice. 2. General architecture of the functional system
(OA – situational afferentation, PA – triggering afferentation)

The architecture of the functional system is shown in Fig. 2. The diagram shows the sequence of actions when implementing one functional system. First, afferent synthesis occurs, which accumulates signals from the external environment, memory and motivation of the subject. Based on afferent synthesis, a decision is made, on the basis of which a program of action and an acceptor of the result of the action are formed - a forecast of the effectiveness of the action performed. After which the action is performed directly and the physical parameters of the result are taken. One of the most important parts of this architecture is feedback afferentation - feedback that allows you to judge the success of a particular action. This directly allows the subject to learn, since by comparing the physical parameters of the obtained result and the predicted result, it is possible to evaluate the effectiveness of goal-directed behavior. Moreover, it should be noted that the choice of one or another action is influenced by many factors, the totality of which is processed in the process of afferent synthesis.

Such functional systems are developed in the process evolution And lifelong learning. To generalize, the whole purpose of evolution is the development of functional systems that will give the best adaptive effect. Functional systems developed by evolution develop even before birth, when there is no direct contact with the environment, and provide the primary repertoire. It is this fact that indicates the evolutionary nature of these phenomena. Such processes are commonly known as primary systemogenesis .

System-evolutionary theory developed by V.B. Shvyrkov. based on the theory of functional systems, she even rejected the concept of a “trigger stimulus” and considered a behavioral act not in isolation, but as a component of a behavioral continuum: a sequence of behavioral acts performed by an individual throughout his life (Fig. 3). The next act in the continuum is implemented after achieving and evaluating the result of the previous act. Such an assessment is a necessary part of the processes of organizing the next act, which, thus, can be considered as transformational or processes of transition from one act to another.

Rice. 3. Behavioral-time continuum

From all of the above it follows that an individual, and even an individual neuron, must have the ability to develop an image of the result of an action and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of his behavior. When these conditions are met, behavior can confidently be called goal-directed.

However, the processes of systemogenesis occur in the brain not only during development (primary systemogenesis), but also during the life of the subject. Systemogenesis– is the formation of new systems in the learning process. Within the framework of the system-selection concept of learning - the formation of a new system - is considered as the formation of a new element of individual experience in the learning process. The formation of new functional systems during learning is based on the selection of neurons from the “reserve” (presumably low-active or “silent” cells). These neurons may be referred to as prespecialized cells.

The selection of neurons depends on their individual properties, i.e. on the characteristics of their metabolic “needs”. Selected cells become specialized relative to the newly formed system - system-specialized. This specialization of neurons relative to newly formed systems is constant. Thus, the new system turns out to be an “additive” to the previously formed ones, “layering” on them. This process is called secondary systemogenesis .

The following provisions of the systemic evolutionary theory:
about the presence in the brains of animals of different species of a large number of “silent” cells;
about increasing the number of active cells during training;
that newly formed neuronal specializations remain constant
that during learning, new neurons are recruited rather than old ones are retrained,
are consistent with data obtained in the work of a number of laboratories.

Separately, I would like to note that, according to modern concepts of psychophysiology and systemic evolutionary theory, the number and composition of an individual’s functional systems is determined both by the processes of evolutionary adaptation, which are reflected in the genome, and by individual lifetime learning.

The theory of functional systems has been successfully studied through simulation modeling and, on its basis, various models for managing adaptive behavior are built.

Instead of a conclusion

I would like to note once again that, from my point of view, further development of the field of AI is impossible without close cooperation with neuroscientists, without building new models based on powerful theories.

Bibliography

Ministry of Higher Professional Education of the Russian Federation

Russian State Humanitarian University

Institute of Psychology

Sorokin Alexander Alekseevich

I year, 1st group.

Essay

“Basic concepts in the theory of functional systems.”

Moscow,

1999

What is a functional system ?

In this work, I must describe, as clearly and briefly as possible, the basic concepts of P.K.’s theory. Anokhin about functional systems as principles of life. Therefore, before disassembling the components of the system, it is necessary to illuminate what the system itself is and why it functions.

The basic physiological principles of such systems were formulated by Anokhin’s laboratory back in 1935, i.e. long before the first works on cybernetics were published, however, the meaning of the publications corresponded to the principles that Anokhin identified later. In their architecture, functional systems fully correspond to any cybernetic model with feedback, and therefore the study of the properties of various functional systems of the body, comparing the role of particular and general patterns in them, will undoubtedly serve to understand any systems with automatic regulation.

In some cases, the formation of self-regulating systems is called “ biological regulation ” ( Wagner, 1958), but only when self-regulation was considered in relation to living beings. However, regardless of the name, in order to acquire an adapted meaning for the organism, these various forms of association in all cases must have all the properties that we formulate for the FS. It turns out that PS does not apply only to the cerebral cortex or even to the whole brain. It exists in its very essence central-peripheral formation, in which impulses circulate both from the center to the periphery and from the periphery to the center ( reverse afferentation), which creates continuous information from the central nervous system about the results achieved in the periphery.

It is also necessary to characterize the basis or “vital node” of any FS - an extremely tightly linked functional pair - the final effect of the system and the apparatus for assessing the sufficiency or insufficiency of this effect using special receptor formations. Usually, “ final adaptive effect ” serves the basic tasks of the survival of the organism and is, to one degree or another, vital. This position is absolutely true when it comes to vital functions, such as: respiration, blood osmotic pressure, blood pressure level, blood sugar concentration, etc. Here, the FS is a branched physiological organization that makes up specific physiological apparatus, serving to maintain vital body constants (homeostasis) those. implementation of the self-regulation process. When it comes to FS, this applies not only to systems with constant finite ones, which mostly have innate mechanisms.

The main difference in the construction and organization of this type of system is its formation extreme or based on a conditioned reflex. However, despite such different qualitative differences, all file systems have the same architectural features, and the proof of this is that “FS really is a universal principle of organizing processes and mechanisms that end in obtaining the final adaptive effect ”. The FS is generally accepted as a unit of integrative human activity.

With the help of experiments by P.K. Anokhin formulated the main postulates in the general theory of FS.

Postulate one

The leading system-forming factor of FS at any level of organization is an adaptive result that is useful for the life of the organism.

Postulate two

Any functional system of the body is built on the basis of the principle of self-regulation: the deviation of the result from the level that ensures normal life activity, through the activity of the corresponding functional system, is itself the reason for restoring the optimal level of this result.

Postulate three

Functional systems are central-peripheral formations that selectively unite various organs and tissues to achieve adaptive results beneficial to the body.

Postulate Four

Functional systems at various levels are characterized by an isomorphic organization: they have the same type of architectonics.

Postulate five

Individual elements in functional systems interact to achieve their beneficial results for the body.

Postulate Six

Functional systems and their individual parts selectively mature in the process of ontogenesis, thereby reflecting the general patterns of systemogenesis.

Now we know that FS is an organization of active elements in interrelation, which is aimed at achieving useful adaptive result. We must assume that the time has come to analyze the concepts that are included in the system, because this is the main topic.

Basic concepts in the theory of FS.

According to different sources, the basic concepts in the FS can be distinguished in different ways. To begin with, we will present a classic diagram of the system itself, and then we will analyze its individual concepts.

1) Trigger stimulus (otherwise irritation).

2) Situational afferentations.

3) Memory.

4) Dominant motivation.

5) Afferent synthesis.

6) Decision making.

7) Acceptor of the result of the action.

8) Action program.

9) Efferent excitations.

10) Action.

11) Result of the action.

12) Result parameters

13) Reverse afferentation.

If I haven’t forgotten anything, then this is the configuration in which the system works. Only in many works there is not even a mention of such parts of the system as: attitudinal afferentation, trigger stimulus. This has been replaced by one single phrase - afferent synthesis. It constitutes the initial stage of a behavioral act of any degree of complexity, and therefore the beginning of the work of the FS is also the same. The importance of afferent synthesis lies in the fact that it determines all subsequent behavior of the organism. The main task of this stage is to collect the necessary information about various parameters of the external environment. Thanks to it, from a variety of external and internal stimuli, the body selects the main ones and creates a goal of behavior (it must be assumed that the mechanism of dominant motivation operates in parallel here) . I believe that the dominant motivation is actions at the moment aimed at solving, satisfying some need, necessity, desire that prevails over all other motives. Since the choice of such information is influenced by both the goal of behavior and previous life experience, afferent synthesis always individual. I have already mentioned that the stage of afferent synthesis includes more than one component. According to the data installation afferentation and with the assistance dominant motivation, based on the experience inherent in memory, a decision is made about what to do. This happens in decision block. If several triggering stimuli reach this block at once, then a decision about the dominant direction of action should be formed (but sometimes also about dominant ones, i.e. several) and launching it into the execution program, the rest should be eliminated and disintegrate as no longer functional. There is a transition to the formation of a program of action, which ensures the subsequent implementation of one action from many potentially possible ones. A copy of the selected solution is transferred to the action result acceptor block, and the main information is sent to the block efferent synthesis. The command, represented by a complex of efferent excitations, is sent to the peripheral executive organs and embodied in the corresponding action. This block already contains a certain set of standard programs, worked out during individual and species-specific experience to obtain positive results. The task of the block at the moment is to determine and “connect” the most adequate program. An important feature of FS is its individual and changing requirements for afferentation. It is the quantity and quality of afferent impulses that characterizes the degree of complexity, arbitrariness or automation of the functional system.

The tasks planned for execution in the decision-making block and launched into implementation should be called a program. Why is the program being created? The answer has already been given above, for the same reason why the system exists - to achieve the final goal. This is the practical part of the system, as opposed to the strategic afferent synthesis. But the program may not achieve its goal due to any external influences. Why destroy the entire system and form a new one because of this? This would be non-functional, provide poor adaptability, and take more time. The system does not operate in this way; it starts working already during program execution. acceptor of the obtained result. It always stores a copy of the previously obtained solution. It is a necessary part of the FS - it is the central apparatus for assessing the results and parameters of an action that has not yet taken place. Let us assume that a certain behavioral action must be carried out, and before its implementation, an idea about it or an image of the expected result is modeled. In the process of real action, efferent signals go from the acceptor to the nervous motor structures, ensuring the achievement of the required goal. If we assume that due to some influences of attitudinal afferentation the life of the entire system is endangered, then the acceptor corrects the program directly during its execution, and with adequate changes. And the success/failure of a behavioral act is signaled by afferent impulses entering the brain from all receptors that record the successive stages of performing a specific action (reverse afferentation). An assessment of a behavioral act, both in general and in detail, is impossible without such accurate information about the results of each action. To guarantee the implementation of any behavioral act, it is necessary to have this mechanism. Moreover, most likely the body would have died in the first hours due to inappropriate actions if such a mechanism did not exist.

It was also developed in the 30-60s pp. that also received great recognition in the scientific world. XX century theory of functional systems P.K. Anokhina. It is often considered the most complete systems theory in psychology and physiology, since it not only clearly defines the concept of a system, but also develops the internal operational architecture of the system and defines the basic principles of its functioning.

In line with the systems approach, behavior is considered as a holistic, organized process in a certain way, aimed, firstly, at adapting the organism to the environment and, secondly, at actively transforming it. An adaptive behavioral act associated with changes in internal processes is always purposeful in nature, which ensures the body’s normal functioning. Nowadays, the functional system theory of P.K. is used as a methodological basis for the psychophysiological description of behavior. Anokhina.

Functional systems are dynamic organizations, self-regulating, the activity of all components of which contributes to obtaining adaptive results that are vital for the body (P.K. Anokhin).

PC. Anokhin identified the following nodal mechanisms that are universal for various systems:

♦ red adaptive result as the leading point of the functional system;

♦ result receptors;

♦ reverse afferentation from the result receptors to the central formations of the functional system;

♦ central architecture, is a selective combination of neural elements of various levels;

♦ executive somatic, autonomic and endocrine elements, including organized goal-directed behavior.

The result of activity for each functional system is its central system-forming factor. PC. Anokhin identified four groups of adaptive results:

1) leading indicators of the internal environment that determine normal tissue metabolism;

2) the results of behavioral activity that satisfy basic biological needs;

3) the results of the herd activity of animals that satisfy the needs of the group;

4) the results of a person’s social activity, satisfying her social needs, determined by her position in a certain socio-economic formation.

The central architecture of the functional system, in turn, also consists of interconnected blocks (stages) organized into a single whole:

♦ afferent synthesis - the stage of system functioning, initiated by a certain need, to satisfy which the mentioned system is created; at this stage the question “what to do?” is decided, what exactly is the result needed now; the components of afferent synthesis include the currently dominant motivation, constituent afferentation, which also corresponds to the given moment, triggering afferentation and memory;

♦ decision making - this stage is characterized by the choice of the main “line of behavior” for a given moment;

♦ formation of an acceptor of the result of an action - determines the process of forming an image of the result or goal of the system;

♦ efferent synthesis - the stage at which the dynamic combination of somatic and autonomic functions occurs to perform a targeted effect;

♦ purposeful action - dynamic interaction of somatic, autonomic and endocrine components aimed at achieving the goal of the system; purposeful action occurs under the constant control of the corresponding mechanisms of the acceptor of the result of the action with the help of reverse afferentation, information (parameters, image) about the actual result obtained; at the same time, constant comparison, assessment of what has been achieved and corresponding correction of action take place;

♦ authorizing stage - if the comparison of the achieved result through reverse aference corresponds to the programmed qualities in the acceptor of the result of the action, then a conclusion is made about the satisfaction of this need and the behavioral act ends.

The above schematic representation is to a certain extent hypothetical, since the real mechanisms for its implementation have not yet been discovered. Nor have any specific brain structures been discovered that are responsible for the operation of these blocks. The search for mechanisms of a functional system continues.

In addition to the above principles of organizing a functional system, there are also basic principles of its functioning.

♦ interoperable - a system can only be called such a complex of selectively involved components in which the interaction and relationships have the character of interoperable components to obtain a focused useful result (to emphasize the main mechanism of the system’s functioning, P.K. Anokhin in his works often highlighted the “singing” part in word vzaemospivdia)

♦ dynamism - leads to the property of a system to be plastic, to suddenly change its structure to achieve a programmed useful result;

♦ hierarchy - the principle of functioning and organization of the system, which, on the one hand, reflects the multi-level nature of its internal implementation, and on the other, assumes that a certain system is also included in the hierarchy of a higher-order system;

♦ self-regulation - the principle of functioning of the system, which is implemented on the basis of the mechanism of reverse afferentation and the apparatus of the acceptor of the results of action to achieve a programmed result;

♦ minimization - introducing into the structure of a functional system only those elements that are necessary to obtain the final result, and rejecting all others.

A functional system is a universal model for understanding and constructing any system in various classes of phenomena, including organisms, machines, and socio-economic organizations. The advantage of the theory of functional systems over other system theories is that it provides specific opportunities for system analysis of various classes of natural and social phenomena and is a link between the synthetic and analytical level of research (K.V. Sudakov).

It is the theory of functional systems by P.K. Anokhin turned out to be the most effective and suitable version of the system methodology for psychologists, because, unlike other versions of the systems approach, it developed the concept of a system-forming factor. This factor is the result of the system, which is understood as the red adaptive effect in the relationship between the organism and the environment, which is achieved when the system is implemented. Therefore, the determinant of behavior and activity in the theory of functional systems is considered to be the event that has not passed through them - the stimulus, and the future - the result (Yu.I. Aleksandrov, V. Druzhinin).

An outstanding manifestation of the influence of the theory of functional systems on psychological science was the creation of a new direction in psychology - systemic psychophysiology, the task of which is the study of systems and intersystem relationships that make up and support the human psyche and behavior.

10.4. Man as an integral biopsychosocial system

Recently, views on the need to consider a person as an integral biopsychosocial system have become widespread in science. The origins of these views were laid back in the 60-80s pp. last century through the works of N.A. Agadzhanyan, B.G. Ananyeva, V.A. Ganzena, A.S. Batueva, B.F. Lomova, V.S. Merlina, V.M. Rusalova and others.

According to B. Ananyev’s theory, a person is a semi-systemic entity in which various hypostases are distinguished. The first of them is defined as an individual (or an entire organism). Individual qualities, in turn, are divided into primary and secondary. Primary ones include somatic, neurodynamic, constitutional and sexual ones, secondary ones include those that are formed on the basis of primary ones in the process of life: sensorimotor organization, structure of organic needs, temperament, inclinations.

B.F. Lomov identified three levels of human individuality, representing an integral system: social, mental and psychological, biological. At the same time, the scientist noted that the leading role in a person’s relationship to the world is played by those qualities that are determined by his membership in the social system.

According to BC Merlin's theory of integral individuality, the totality of a person's individual qualities is a large hierarchical system that is self-regulating. The hierarchical levels of this large system include:

1. System of individual qualities of the organism. its subsystems: a) biochemical; b) general somatic; c) quality of the nervous system (neurodynamic).

2. System of individual mental qualities. Its subsystems: a) psychodynamic (character qualities) b) mental qualities of the individual.

3. A system of socio-psychological individual qualities. Its subsystems: a) social roles in a social group and team; b) social roles in socio-historical communities.

V.M. Rusalov, based on systemic principles, defined human individuality as an integral system, the purpose of which is to preserve the integrity and identity of a person with himself in conditions of continuous internal (organismic) and external (social) changes.

In the structure of human individuality, he identified two main components: the organism and the personality and the following main features: integrity, isolation, uniqueness, autonomy, self-awareness, creative abilities.

V.M. Rusalov also identified two main levels of individual psychological differences between people, emphasizing the predominantly “social” or “biological” origin of these differences:

♦ the first level includes “content” individual differences relating to socially determined qualities (direction, relationships, moral attitudes, desires, motives, interests, as well as knowledge, skills, etc.).

♦ the second level concerns the “psychodynamic” qualities of a person, which are determined by the organismic qualities of a person, his biological organization. At the same time, the division of the human psyche into “content” and “dynamic” levels does not mean the existence of an impassable boundary between them, but only indicates the possibility of considering these different aspects of a single holistic mental process.

The above views on human individuality represent the general scientific basis of modern ideas about man as an integral biopsychosocial system.

Despite a certain abstractness of the presented ideas, they are important for the theoretical justification of psychophysiological research and the interpretation of their results. The fact that there are cause-and-effect relationships between the mental and somatic, which have a two-way direction (the mental influences the physiological and vice versa), is evidenced by many facts. Only with this approach can explanations be given to the phenomenon of changes in physiological indicators under the influence of mental changes, and vice versa, changes in the human psyche under the influence of influences on her body. So, the integrity of individuality underlies the fact that any impact (for example, taking a chemical drug, a change in atmospheric pressure, noise on the street, unpleasant news, etc.) on at least one of the levels (biochemical, physiological, psychological, etc.) .) inevitably leads to feedback on all other levels and changes the current state of the human body, his mental state, and possibly behavior. Therefore, one should consider various aspects of individuality in all the diversity of their interrelations and interactions.

Questions for self-control

1. What is the concept of a systems approach and system?

2. What systematic principles for considering mental phenomena were defined by B.F. Lomov?

3. What level of study of a person and his psyche were determined by B.F. Lomov?

4. What is a functional system and what are its key mechanisms?

5. What blocks does the central architecture of a functional system consist of?

6. What are the basic principles of the functioning of a functional system?

7. What are the main views regarding the understanding of a person as an integral biopsychosocial system?

Literature

1. Aiokhin P.K. Key issues in the theory of functional systems. - M.: Nauka, 1980. - 197 p.

2. Kokun A.N. Optimization of human adaptive capabilities: psychophysiological aspect of supporting activities: Monograph. - M.: Milenium, 2004. - 265 p.

3. Lol.ov B.F. Methodological and theoretical problems of psychology. - M.: Nauka, 1984. - 446 p.

4. Lomov B. Systematicity in psychology: Favorites. psychol. tr. / Edited by V.A. The drum is teak. - M.: Practical Institute. psychology, 1996. - 384 p.

5. Mprutina T.M., Ermolaev O.Yu. Introduction to psychophysiology. - Fourth ed. - M.: Flinta, 2004. - 400 p.

6. Theory of functional systems in physiology and psychology. - M.: Nauka, 1978. - 384 p.

7. Psychophysiology: Textbook for universities / Under. ed. Yu.I. Alexandrova. - 3rd ed. - St. Petersburg: Peter, 2004. - 464 p.

Abstract topics

1. History of the development of the systems approach.

2. Systematic approach in psychology.

3. Systemic psychophysiology as a new direction in psychology.

Creative task

Describe in detail, based on the methodological principles of the theory of functional systems, any (optional) human behavioral act.

» Anokhin functional system

© V.A. Romenets, I.P. Manoha

Theory of functional systems P.K. Anokhina (1898-1974)

The idea of ​​functionalism (as the unity of the integrative activity of the brain and the body) P.K. Anokhin proposed in 1939. It dealt with fundamental problems of physiology, psychology and cybernetics.

The principles of the theory of functional systems put forward by Anokhin were stated as follows: it can be stated that there is a system-organizing factor that determines the formation of cooperative relations between the components of the system, which contain a functionally useful result.

Such cooperation becomes possible if the system permanently selects the “degrees of freedom” of each system component (we can talk, for example, about the synaptic formation of a neuron). Thus, reverse afferentation as a result produces a reorganized effect of cooperative relationships between the system of components; a certain specific key of mechanisms (internal architectonics) cannot build for the researcher a conceptual bridge from the level of integration to the level of the subtlest mechanisms of brain systematic activity, including the molecular level.

These fundamental mechanisms of a functional system ensure continuous self-organization and plastic adaptation in relation to changes in the external environment. The key mechanisms of the functional system were identified:

• afferent synthesis
• decision-making;
• acceptor of action results;
• action program,
• result of action;
• reverse afferentation, which contains all the outcome parameters;
• comparison of real results with those that were foreseen in advance in the acceptor of action results.

Anokhin's theory gives us the opportunity to study and evaluate complex processes in the life of the entire organism.

Thus, a functional system consists of a certain number of node mechanisms, each of which takes its place and has a certain specific purpose. The first one is afferent synthesis, which distinguishes four mandatory components: dominant motivation, situational and trigger afferentation, and memory. The interaction of these components leads to the decision-making process.

Any purposeful action of an animal or a person occurs only in the presence of appropriate motivation and is formed on the basis of a need (physiological, social, etc.). If there is no such motivation, the behavior is not implemented. Therefore, it is impossible for a well-fed animal to develop a conditioned digestive reflex, since there is no hunger motivation. Accordingly, for the formation of goal-directed behavior, appropriate actualization (excitation) of certain nerve centers with simultaneous suppression of other centers is necessary. That is, the motivation for action or behavior must be dominant.

A behavioral act, depending on environmental conditions, can be carried out in different ways, that is, situational afferentation determines the nature of the action.

The third component of afferent synthesis is triggering afferentation, that is, excitation that directly causes a behavioral response. The external manifestation of the conditioned reflex begins to unfold only at the moment the corresponding signal is turned on, acting as a trigger stimulus. That is why the excitation that occurs when exposed to such a specific stimulus is called triggering afferentation.

The fourth component of afferent synthesis is memory, that is, the past experience of a person or animal. The same goal can be achieved in different ways, so memory suggests the nature of the reaction or the necessary line of behavior of the individual.

But before a decision is made, all four components of afferent synthesis must be processed, that is, their comparison and interaction. Afferent synthesis is based on the phenomenon of convergence (interaction) of excitations of different modalities on multimodal neurons of the brain, which are capable of responding with excitation to several stimuli, not only sensory (sound, visual, tactile, etc.), but also biologically (and not only!) significant ones (digestive, pain, etc.).

These neurodynamic processes determine the differentiation and assessment of possible results of the activity of a certain functional system before a decision is made to obtain a very specific result, that is, a result that is most consistent with a given dominant motivation in a given environment (situation).

According to Anokhin, all these multimodal excitations occur on one neuron, where information processing takes place, that is, the convergence of excitations on a neuron is a universal working factor in its integrative activity. In this neuron, complex processing and recoding of the informational significance of all the numerous disturbances received into it into a single axonal excitation occurs. Accordingly, this excitation coming out of the neuron must have a very complex code meaning, that is, in its informational meaning it must correspond to the integrative state of the entire neuron.

Afferent synthesis and decision-making predetermine the construction of a program of action, that is, a specific set of efferent impulses is formed, which should provide peripheral action, and then the communication of the components of the corresponding result, which is the main task of the behavioral act.

Simultaneously with the action program, another important mechanism of the functional system arises - action result acceptor. It represents a model of the future result of an action obtained as a result of a certain behavioral reaction, a copy of the efferent set of impulses that was created on the basis of the decision made. Accordingly, simultaneously with the passage of this efferent image of impulses to the executive organs, copies must form in the brain a model (copy) of the future result of the action.

If a behavioral act is performed incorrectly or only partially, the brain receives this information. It receives feedback from the executive organs in the form of discharges of afferent impulses, and this feedback is a necessary component of any functional system.

If the parameters of the action result do not differ from those intended, then the pattern of reverse afferentation coincides with the pattern of the acceptor of the action result, and the action is completed. When there is no such coincidence, a mismatch between the acceptor of the result of the action and the reverse afferentation occurs, which leads to an increase in the indicative reaction of the animal or person, as a result of which the entire functional system is started again and the cycle is repeated until the results expected by the program are obtained.

Theory of anticipatory reflection of reality- a scientific result carried out by Anokhin with the aim of revealing the nature of the vital activity of the body. External influences on the body (A, B, C, D, D, etc.), systematically repeated over a certain time, cause a certain series of chemical reactions in the protoplasm of a living being (a, b, c, d, e). Protoplasm gains the opportunity to reflect in the micro-time intervals of its chemical reactions the sequence of events in the external world, which by their very nature unfold in macro-time intervals. The appearance of the first factor (A) is sufficient to bring the entire sequence of a chain of chemical reactions into an active state. The speed of chemical reactions of protoplasm ensures that the body anticipates the development of successive, repeatedly repeated external influences. Anokhin regarded this property as a living universal and the only possible way for the body to adapt to the outside world. The entire history of the animal world shows the improvement of this ancient pattern, which P.K. Anokhin calls it a leading reflection of reality. A number of environmental influences acquire signal significance, and the chains of sequential chemical reactions that are formed on this basis appear as temporary connections.

The central nervous system is considered as a substrate of high specialization, which developed in the form of an apparatus for maximum and rapid anticipation of successive and repeating phenomena of the external world. It is certain that the conditioned reflex in its signaling function is interpreted as a special case of highly specialized forms of anticipatory reflection of reality.

In general, the theory of functional systems is a fairly effective attempt to comprehensively and holistically represent a behavioral act in a set of physiological mechanisms that ensure its gradual development from the initial to the final moment.

Romenets V.A., Manokha I.P. History of psychology of the 20th century. - Kyiv, Lybid, 2003.

Functional systems theory

Functional systems theory- a model describing the structure of behavior; created by P.K. Anokhin.

The “principle of a functional system” is the unification of private mechanisms of the body into an integral system of adaptive behavioral acts, the creation of an “integrative unit”.

There are two types of functional systems:

• Systems of the first type ensure homeostasis using the internal (already existing) resources of the body, without going beyond its limits (for example, blood pressure)
• Systems of the second type maintain homeostasis by changing behavior, interacting with the outside world, and underlie various types of behavior

Stages of behavioral act:

• Afferent synthesis Any excitation in the central nervous system exists in interaction with other excitations: the brain analyzes these excitations. Synthesis is determined by the following factors:
  • Triggering afferentation (excitations caused by conditioned and unconditioned stimuli)
  • Situational afferentation (excitement from the familiarity of the situation, causing a reflex, and dynamic stereotypes)
  • Memory (species and individual)
• Decision-making
  • Formation of an acceptor of the result of an action (creation of an ideal image of a goal and its retention; presumably, at the physiological level, it represents excitation circulating in a ring of interneurons)
  • Efferent synthesis (or action program stage; integration of somatic and autonomic arousals into a single behavioral act. The action is formed, but is not manifested externally)
• Action (execution of a behavior program)
• Evaluating the result of an action

• Need satisfaction (termination authorization stage)

The choice of goals and methods of achieving them are key factors regulating behavior. According to Anokhin, in the structure of a behavioral act, comparison of reverse afferentation with the acceptor of the result of the action gives positive or negative situational emotions that influence the correction or cessation of actions (another type of emotion, presenters emotions, is associated with the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of needs in general, that is, with the formation of a goal). In addition, memories of positive and negative emotions influence behavior.

In general, a behavioral act is characterized by purposefulness and the active role of the subject.

Literature

• N.N. Danilova, A.L. Krylova Physiology of higher nervous activity. - Rostov-on-Don: “Phoenix”, 2005. - P. 239-251. - 478 p. - (Moscow State University textbooks). - 5000 copies. - ISBN 5-222--06746-7

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Books

• Evolution of terminology and diagrams of functional systems in the scientific school P. K. Anokhin, K. V. Sudakov, I. A. Kuzichev, A. B. Nikolaev. The authors took upon themselves a very significant and painstaking work - to show readers the dynamics of the development of general ideas about the functional systems of the body and the theory of functional systems,...