Dynamic Tensegrity

the ease and effort of body, mind and cell

 

Tensegrity at its most fundamental construct are physical structures stabilized by continuous tension with discontinuous compression. What we typically think of as gravitational or load bearing systems are suspended and made more responsive by applying tension or pull. The compressive forces allow for the existence of these tensive forces and the tensive forces allow for a more efficient and flexible system. In contrast, most manmade structures are stabilized by continuous gravitational compression without any or little component of opposing tension. In biologic system we find tensegrity as a primary relationship globally from the atom to the biologic system as a whole. It is the most efficient use of space and energy conservation that allows for a more flexible and responsive system. Note: I also propose that the principles of tensegrity even operate on a conscious level that we experience through various aspects of cognition and awareness that goes unnoticed as tensegrity. Mirror neurons being just one example.

 

Defying Gravity

moving through space

 

Balance and stabilization is a prerequisite for our ability to move. Our ability to stay in balance whether at “rest" or with work is due, in part, to dynamic tensegrity...the constant and completely integrated pull (tension) the muscles and ligaments impart to the skeletal system to alleviate and stabilize the push (compression) from gravity and movement of the body. Without the muscles and ligaments pulling outward and upward from the skeletal system, we would be incapable of walking or even raising our arm. In fact, gravity alone would cause us to crumble. Dynamic tensegrity is a system that truly acts as a whole in which even the slightest change in compression or tension, regardless of how minute, has an effect globally throughout the entire system. It defies gravity and allows for smooth graceful movement and surprising power. It goes beyond the biomechanic model and looks at various qualities of movement and their influences on muscle and cell physiology, neurotransmitter and hormonal metabolism, and emotional wellbeing. We are not column and strut organisms, but omni-directional beings.

 

The other prerequisite for movement is coordinated and integrated movement referred to as gait development. Gait development begins with head control that integrates around the second month of life to an integrated rotational running gait that is typically seen by age five or six. Each level of development integrates movement through three axis' or planes. First to integrate is sagittal with creeping, then coronal and finally, the transitional plane when the child starts walking. This is covered in Mind/Chaos with a Purpose.

 

These planes of development are extremely important because not only are they the basis for ALL physical movement, but also set the stage for conscious development. We also see various stresses of mind, body and cell displayed as unilateral, contralateral or rotational restrictions in the gait as well.

 

 

A Model of the Nature of Tensegrity of the Human Torso

 

The Consciousness of the Cell

cytoskeleton: microtubules and filaments

 

Over the past thirty years, research has proven that the cell’s ability to maintain shape, movement, organelle distribution within the cell, and even aspects of differentiation, DNA expression and mitosis are not only dependent, but are governed to an appreciable extent due to the tensegrity structure of the cytoskeleton. In fact, not only is the cytoskeleton of the cell a tensegrity structure, but it is intimately connected to and both responds to and influences our entire biologic system. There exist a continuous mechanical linkage from the DNA of our cells through the nuclear membrane via the microtubules to the cellular membrane, out through the trans-membranous proteins to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and continues to the interstitium and on to the fascia. From there, it continues to the muscles and organs. This intimate connection from DNA to the gross structures and organ systems effect one another through mechanotransduction (mechanical stimuli converted to biochemical signals and vice versa).

 

The cytoskeleton is comprised of three classes of proteins making up tubes and filaments. Microtubules are the largest type of the three and are composed of a protein called tubulin. They are extremely dynamic and are constantly growing and changing to meet the environmental demands placed on the cells. Microtubules are attached to the centrosome, adjacent to the nucleus, and grow out from the centrosome to the plasma membrane. They are found in cilia for nutrient absorption, are responsible for pulling the DNA strands apart seen in mitosis (Anaphase), and in the very specialized cells of the CNS, are capable of processing exponentially more information than the neuron, even with a neuron’s recruitment of 1000's of synaptic connections to other neurons. Dr. Stuart Hameroff and Dr. Roger Penrose have developed and are expanding on the possible role of microtubules and consciouness...well worth the look.

 

Microfilaments are the smallest type and consist of a protein called actin. Actin was first discovered as a contractile component of muscle cells. Microfilaments provide the contractile component necessary for cellular movement needed for locomotion, pinches the cell into two halves seen in mitosis, and the WBC surrounding bacteria and foreign bodies in preparation for phagocytosis.

 

Intermediate filaments are constructed from a number of different subunit proteins and are generally strong and ropelike. They are less dynamic than microfilaments or microtubules and work in tandem with microtubules, providing strength and support for the fragile tubulin structures.

 

 

The Cytoskeleton During Kidney Cell Mitosis

 

In the above video, the vibrating small red rods are chromosomes; the small green dots on either side of the chromosomes are the centrioles; the short green hair-like strands between the centrioles and chromosomes are microtubules; the long green hair-like strands seen in both cells are microfilaments and intermediate filaments; the red spherical mass is the nucleus in the non-dividing kidney cell.

 

Comment: Within the nucleus, nucleoli have been shown to undergo molecular rearrangement when external forces were applied to the connections of micro and intermediate filaments, indicating further hierarchical organization of the cell. Ex vivo tissue stretch studies demonstrate a loss of fibroblast nuclear membrane invaginations during stretch, which is thought to play a pivotal role in many key functions of the nucleus impacting gene expression. Given these findings, it has been proposed that mechanical forces could directly affect genetic expression by regulating the opening and closing of nuclear pore complexes, inducing chromatin remodeling, or opening of select regions of DNA.

 

 

Continue...Breath of Movement