title: A mathematics for physiology.
abstract: Nonlinear dynamics gives us a language within which to express the basic concepts of physiology. Form, qualitative change, oscillation, stability, and other biologically important notions find natural expressions in this new mathematical approach. An introduction to qualitative dynamics is sketched, its relevance to physiology is argued, and several examples of its usefulness in providing models and metaphors for describing brain activity are offered.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006706:Homeostasis; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological; D010827:Physiology; D013816:Thermodynamics