The self-composing brain: towards a glial-neuronal brain theory
Bernhard Mitterauer1, Kristen Kopp
1Institute of Forensic Neuropsychiatry and Gotthard Günther Archives, University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Strasse 79, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria. bernhard.mitterauer@sbg.ac.at
Abstract:
A brain model is proposed which describes its structural organization and the related functions as compartments organized in time and space. On a molecular level the negative feedback loops of clock-controlled genes are interpreted as compartments. This spatio-temporal operational principle may also work on the cellular level as glial-neuronal interactions, wherein glia have a spatio-temporal boundary setting function. The synchronization of the multi-compartmental operations of the brain is compared to the harmonization in a symphony and appears as an integrated behavior of the whole organism, defined as modes of behavior. For explanation of the principle of harmonization, an example from Schubert's Symphony No. 8 has been chosen. While harmonization refers to the synchronization of diverse systems, it seems appropriate to select the brain of a composer and the structure of musical composition as a paradigm towards a glial-neuronal brain theory. Finally, some limitations of experimental brain research are discussed and robotics are proposed as a promising alternative.
Related Concept Videos
Glial Cells
Neuron Structure
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
Nervous Tissue: Glial Cells
The CNS glial cell includes the astrocytes, the oligodendrocytes, the microglia, and the ependymal cells.
Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that interact...
Neurons as Communicators of the Brain
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...
Neuroplasticity


