First, the brain is organized into functionally specific areas, and second, neurons in different parts of the vertebrate nervous system, indeed in all nervous systems, are quite similar. Small comparison with Computers # A gross observation between computer's transistors and…
The Potassium Exchange values # We use the measurement by Cole and Curthis 40mS/cm squared was their measure of Potassium ions leaving the membrane Δ Q = I d t = G A Δ E d t The potassium concentration is 0.155 moles per litre. Where G is the conductance per unit area, A the…
Vision is THE most important sense for humans. Most of the information we get is through vision 90% vision This is true for humans, but for mice for example it is different, they have probably a 64x64 pixel resolution equivalent. For humans, visual data is more important, it is…
We have a classical exploration-exploitation tradeoff, see Reinforcement Learning, a introduction . Why would animals explore, even if there is no immediate reward based on it? Animals are able to adapt and explore nonetheless. It would be thus nice to understand and implement…
an Here we attempt to answer what is memory, how is it stored and retrieved. Human Memory # Definition of Memory # Memory is a process by which information is: Encoded Stored Retrieved The brain has different types of memories, and certain brain regions are specialized for this…
Synapses are the connections that exist between one neuron and another, so we can think of them as the communication channel between neurons. Gap Junctions # Electrical based # These are also called Gap Junctions These are more direct connections between neurons, allowing…
In general we want to understand how neurons encode the rate and temporal information to build specific features like place cells, grid cells, velocity, head direction, or how it can guide behaviour or coordination. Many neurons encode together some features, it is quite rare…
The synaptic connections that define such circuits are typically made in a dense tangle of dendrites, axons terminals, and glial cell processes that together constitute what is called neuropil. Knee-Jerk Response # The knee-jerk reflex (also known as the patellar reflex ) is a…
Introduction to the Course # What is a neural system? # A neural system is an intricately organized network of specialized cells—primarily neurons, along with a variety of supportive glial cells—that processes and transmits information via electrical and chemical signals. In…
How are inputs made into motion? We analyze feedback systems in auditory systems in birds. Motivation # Birds are very good at producing and reproducing songs by moving their vocal cords complexly (sensory motor learning). We want to learn how they learn and then extrapolate on…