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Related Concept Videos

Synaptic Signaling01:12

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
Synaptic Signaling01:09

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Nervous System01:21

Nervous System

The nervous system coordinates body functions through its complex network of nerve cells, enabling sensation and movement. It is divided into two primary parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain acts as the body's control center, processing sensory information and coordinating responses. The spinal cord functions as a major signaling pathway for the brain and the rest of the body.
Extending...
Neurons as Communicators of the Brain01:22

Neurons as Communicators of the Brain

Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, function as the primary transmitters of information throughout the body. Their ability to communicate through electrical and chemical signals is vital for every bodily function, from regulating the heartbeat to processing complex thoughts. Each neuron has three main components: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon, each specialized to facilitate swift and efficient neural communication.
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...
Neuronal Communication01:28

Neuronal Communication

Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Closed-loop Neuro-robotic Experiments to Test Computational Properties of Neuronal Networks
11:18

Closed-loop Neuro-robotic Experiments to Test Computational Properties of Neuronal Networks

Published on: March 2, 2015

Communication in neuronal networks.

Simon B Laughlin1, Terrence J Sejnowski

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 27, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The brain

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Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

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Published on: March 2, 2015

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Soft Pneumatic Robot Modulates Graph Theory Metrics of Brain Network for Hand Rehabilitation After Stroke
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Computational Neuroscience
  • Systems Neuroscience

Background:

  • Cortical networks exhibit remarkable efficiency, computational power, and communication capabilities.
  • Understanding the evolutionary pressures on brain structure and function is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the design principles governing cortical network evolution.
  • To investigate how brains operate efficiently within physical and energetic constraints.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of geometric, biophysical, and energy constraints.
  • Comparison of brain network design with electronic networks.
  • Examination of biological system adaptability.

Main Results:

  • Nature optimizes cortical networks using principles similar to electronic engineering.
  • Brain structure and function are shaped by physical and energetic limitations.
  • The brain adapts and reconfigures to meet evolving demands.

Conclusions:

  • Brain evolution is guided by efficiency and resource optimization.
  • Cortical networks employ sophisticated design strategies analogous to engineered systems.
  • Adaptability is a key feature of biological neural systems.