Maturano refers to systems that can be controlled from the outside as:

Maturano's concept of allopoietic systems describes systems that can be regulated or controlled from an external source. These systems are typically focused on outcomes or results that are not self-generating. In contrast, autopoietic systems, which are not the correct answer, are self-organizing and self-maintaining; they create and recreate their own components and maintain their identity through internal processes.

Open systems allow for the exchange of matter or energy with their environment; while this may involve some level of external influence, it does not strictly define the controlling nature of those systems. Closed systems are defined by their lack of interaction with their environment, further emphasizing self-containment rather than external control.

Understanding allopoietic systems is essential because they highlight how external forces and inputs can shape the function and direction of a system, which can be particularly relevant in fields such as organizational theory and family therapy, where outside influences often impact family dynamics.