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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
11:34
Identification of Specific Sensory Neuron Populations for Study of Expressed Ion Channels
Published on: December 24, 2013
Complete functional characterization of sensory neurons by system identification
Michael C-K Wu1, Stephen V David, Jack L Gallant
1Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
Annual Review of Neuroscience
|June 17, 2006
Summary
System identification offers a quantitative approach to modeling sensory processing in neurophysiology. This method objectively evaluates computational models by predicting neuronal responses, advancing sensory neuroscience.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- System identification is an emerging approach in sensory neurophysiology.
- It enables the creation of quantitative functional models for sensory processing.
- This approach integrates experimental data and existing knowledge for accurate predictions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review system identification algorithms used in sensory neurophysiology.
- To present these algorithms as variants of a statistical inference problem.
- To discuss practical considerations for applying these methods in neurophysiological experiments.
Main Methods:
- Review of system identification algorithms.
- Statistical inference framework for algorithms.
- Discussion of practical issues: stimulus selection, behavioral control, model visualization, and validation.
Main Results:
- System identification algorithms can be unified under a single statistical inference framework.
- Practical challenges in applying system identification to neurophysiology are identified.
- Demonstration of system identification's application to various neuroscience problems.
Conclusions:
- System identification provides an objective framework for evaluating and comparing computational models of sensory processing.
- Addressing practical issues is crucial for successful application in neurophysiological experiments.
- A key goal is developing models that predict neuronal responses under natural conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:31What is a Sensory System?
Sensory systems detect stimuli—such as light and sound waves—and transduce them into neural signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system. In addition to external stimuli detected by the senses, some sensory systems detect internal stimuli—such as the proprioceptors in muscles and tendons that send feedback about limb position.
01:11Sensory Perception: Organization of the Somatosensory System
The somatosensory system is the central and peripheral nervous system component that senses and processes touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and body position or proprioception. The process of sensation takes place at three levels:
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...
01:26Introduction to Special Senses
Sensory receptors play an integral part in comprehending our external and internal environments. They receive diverse stimuli, converting them into the nervous system's electrochemical signals. This conversion occurs as the stimulus alters the sensory neuron's cell membrane potential, instigating the generation of an action potential. This action potential is subsequently transmitted to the central nervous system (CNS), which integrates with other sensory data or higher cognitive functions.
01:31Introduction to Sensory Receptors
Sensory receptors are vital in our ability to perceive and interpret the world. Sensory receptors are specialized cells in the peripheral nervous system that respond to various stimuli and enable one to experience different sensations. Based on specific criteria, sensory receptors are classified into distinct types.
The first classification criterion is based on cell type, position, and function. Some receptor cells are neurons with free nerve endings, where their dendrites are embedded in the...
The first classification criterion is based on cell type, position, and function. Some receptor cells are neurons with free nerve endings, where their dendrites are embedded in the...
01:33Somatosensation
The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.