Revisiting the concept of identifiable neurons

Area of Science:

• Neurobiology
• Comparative Neuroscience
• Systems Neuroscience

Background:

• The late 1960s and early 1970s saw the gradual acceptance of identifiable neurons with consistent properties and connections across many animal species.
• This paradigm shift, termed a 'quiet revolution' in neurobiology, spurred significant research into nervous system function and behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the implications, challenges, and opportunities arising from the concept of identifiable neurons.
• To discuss the distribution, evolution, consistency, and plasticity of identifiable neurons across taxa.
• To examine the extension of identifiable neurons to discrete systems and the implications for understanding neural redundancy and diversity.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing neurobiological literature on identifiable neurons.
• Analysis of the theoretical and empirical frameworks for understanding neuronal consistency and plasticity.
• Exploration of the limitations of current models in explaining complex neural systems.

Main Results:

• The distribution and evolutionary origins of identifiable neurons remain incompletely understood, suggesting independent invention in various taxa.
• Quantification of neuronal consistency and plasticity is limited, with few examples studied in detail.
• Current models require extension beyond classical 'circuits' to incorporate diverse integrative variables, non-synaptic processing, and complex neural architectures.

Conclusions:

• Identifiable neurons offer a powerful framework for understanding nervous system organization and function.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the evolutionary pathways and functional significance of neuronal diversity and consistency.
• Developing advanced theoretical models and language is crucial for interpreting the full spectrum of neural systems, from simple to complex.