[Theory of systems generation at its present stage]

Anokhin's theory of systems genesis describes the selective development and maturation of morphofunctional associations of cells in response to ecological factors. This theory is corroborated by data obtained as a result of studying the embryonal and early postnatal development of man and animals. Further progress of this theory is based on a more detailed studying of the cellular mechanisms and the selectivity of establishment of intercellular contacts. In the postnatal period the formation of the complicate functional system of behaviour is studied. The discrete, "quantum" character of the behaviour formation is investigated in detail. A particular attention is paid to the psychic functional systems on which man's abstract thinking is based. Studying of the maturation sequence of functional systems (intersystem heterochronism) allows one to substantiate a concept on system-character periodization of development. The importance of interrelations within a population for formation of the body's functional systems can be seen on the examples of the interrelations "mother--foetus", and "mother--child", as well as the interrelations between individuals in a group. It is possible, that the systems genesis theory will be used in the nearest future in pediatric practice more extensively.