title: Life duration: a new systemic hypothesis.
abstract: A new hypothesis of ageing based on morphologic evidence is presented. The developmental process is determined by a kinetic curve of population growth which is typical for every association of cells. Every multicellular organism is considered as a system that consists of various cellular associations in symbiotic interaction. One of these associations is dominant and determines the developmental kinetics of the whole organism. The nervous system is the dominant cell association in mammals. The duration of its development is restricted by the lack of capability of neurons to regenerate in adult organisms. This may determine the duration of life and persistence of various pathologic processes.
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy