Chaotic nonlinear dynamics have been extensively used to analyze the c
omplexities of physiological systems in health and disease. Many asser
tions in this regard, however, fail on the basis of (a) mathematical a
ssumptions, and (b) basic understanding of the physiology involved. Ou
r preliminary research using experimental data from breathing patterns
as well as electrocardiographic signals suggest that some of these dy
namics can be understood as oscillators with singular points from whic
h emanate multi-choice responses to excitations. Deviations in the dis
tributions of responses may reflect pathology.