Allostasis, Form, Function

By Jon Trister MD

Allostasis , Form, Function and Connective tissue status

The Concept of allostasis was proposed by Sterling and Eyer in 1988 as a process of reestablishing stability in response to a challenge.

The biological system (s) ( System) must be able to adapt to external and internal stresses.

Form and function are indivisible.

Form, Function, and  Mechanical property of the connective tissue determine the purpose of the System.

Mechanical properties of the connective tissue, Form, and Function are influenced by external and internal events.

Form, Function, and Quality of the Connective Tissue are changing under stresses, and System underwent Allostatic response.

Ability to change Form, Function, and  Mechanical property of the connective tissue-determine success of Allostasis.

Successful Allostasis – is a successful change of Form, Function, and Connective Tissue Quality to secure the Vitality of the System.

Alteration of the System (Form, Function and  Mechanical property of the connective tissue) caused by external and internal events (Congenital anomaly, Infectious process, Autoimmune reactions, Metabolic, Pharmacological and Surgical alterations, Various injuries, Environmental factors, Psychological factors, etc) will lead to an Allostatic response.

The ability of the System to change (Form, Function, Quality of the connective tissue) will determine the survivability of the System.

Allostasis allows the System to return to vitality through the change in Form, Function, and Quality of Connective tissue.

Allostasis begins at birth (or even before and after conception) and continues throughout the life of the System.

Life is impossible without Allostasis.

Death is a cessation of Allostatic response.

The System is not uniform in its ability to adapt to changes.

Rigid parts are less capable of Allostatic response but more stable.

Flexible parts are less stable but capable of adaptation better than rigid.

The entire system participates in allostatic responses.

All parts of the System contribute to Allostatic response with high variability.