P. K. Anokhin. Theory of Functional Systems (TFS) as the Basis for Understanding Compensatory Processes of the Organism. (1947)

About the work. P. K. Anokhin, “Theory of Functional Systems as the Basis for Understanding Compensatory Processes of the Organism,” 1947, Scientific Notes of Moscow State University. Psychology. Issues of Restoration of Psychophysiological Functions, vol. 2, pp. 32–41. In this work, Anokhin proposes considering the restoration and compensation of functions not as a sum of individual physiological processes, but through the integral organization of the organism — the functional system, which unites various nervous processes into a dynamic structure directed toward a useful adaptive effect. Anokhin himself indicates that a consolidated formulation of the concept of the functional system was presented by him as early as 1937, and that subsequent research confirmed its significance for the analysis of adaptive behavior and the restoration of functions. Main ideas and concepts of the work: Functional system — an integral organization of heterogeneous processes united to produce a useful adaptive effect. The organism as a whole — the properties of the system cannot be reduced to the properties of its individual components. Cyclical interaction between the center and the periphery — the final working effect acts again upon the central organization. Active subordination of components — the functional system does not merely unite processes, but changes their relationships and establishes a directionally organized interaction. Narrowing of afferentation — under stable successful functioning, some afferent signals cease to participate actively in current regulation. Reserve afferentation — signals excluded from current regulation may be re-engaged when conditions change and restructuring of the system becomes necessary. Leading afferentation — after narrowing of afferentation, a limited group of signals remains that is most significant for maintaining the function; for the respiratory system, Anokhin identifies afferentation from the alveoli through the vagus nerve. Respiration as a functional system — one of the central examples, integrating nervous, humoral, and peripheral processes. Sanctioning afferentation — a feedback signal from the working apparatus that evaluates the achieved result and consolidates the successful organization of the system. Compensation as restructuring of the system — when conditions change, the system may reconstruct the distribution of excitation, with the final success of the function for the organism serving as the criterion of the correctness of the restructuring. Why this work was selected for the “Buteyko Method Heritage” project. This article is one of the key sources of the systemic physiological architecture necessary for reconstructing how Buteyko developed his own understanding of the organism and disease. Of particular importance for the project are the ideas of the organism as an integral functional system, the dynamic interaction between the center and the periphery, feedback afferentation, the leading role of particular signals, restructuring of the system under changing conditions, and the evaluation of the entire regulation according to the final functional result. Of particular significance is the fact that Anokhin directly considers the respiratory system as a functional system and shows how its regulation is organized around leading and sanctioning afferentation. It is precisely this systemic architecture that Buteyko subsequently transfers into his own physiological model of respiration, combining it with the problems of respiratory regulation, gas composition, and CO₂. At the same time, a fundamentally important transformation for our research is involved here, rather than a simple repetition: in Anokhin’s 1947 account, the final result of the respiratory system is largely associated with oxygenation and oxidative processes, whereas Buteyko restructures the explanatory model around CO₂ and impaired respiratory regulation.