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Neural Circuits

Neural Circuits

Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
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The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
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Direct Motor Pathways

Direct Motor Pathways

The direct motor pathways, also known as the pyramidal tracts, are a group of neural pathways that originate in the brain and descend through the spinal cord. They control the voluntary movement of the body. There are two major direct motor pathways: the corticospinal and the corticobulbar tracts.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Modeling the Functional Network for Spatial Navigation in the Human Brain

Modeling the Functional Network for Spatial Navigation in the Human Brain

Published on: October 13, 2023

Circuit motifs for spatial orientation behaviors identified by neural network optimization.

N A Dunn¹, J S Conery, S R Lockery

¹Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA.

Journal of Neurophysiology

|May 25, 2007

Summary

Researchers identified fundamental neural circuit motifs underlying spatial orientation behaviors like hill climbing and goal seeking in simple nervous systems. These findings provide a framework for understanding how neural networks generate complex behaviors.

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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

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Targeted Labeling of Neurons in a Specific Functional Micro-domain of the Neocortex by Combining Intrinsic Signal and Two-photon Imaging

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Published on: November 14, 2011

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Computational Biology
Animal Behavior

Background:

Spatial orientation is crucial for animal survival but its neural basis remains largely unknown.
Understanding how simple neural networks process spatial information is key to deciphering complex behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify fundamental neuronal connectivity patterns (motifs) for hill-climbing and goal-seeking behaviors.
To explore the neuronal basis of spatial orientation in simple nervous systems like Caenorhabditis elegans.

Main Methods:

Utilized an unbiased optimization algorithm to simulate neuronal networks.
Varied parameters such as neuronal time constants, resting potentials, and synaptic strengths.
Focused on simple networks of graded processing neurons.

Main Results:

Identified numerous distinct network configurations for both hill-climbing and goal-seeking behaviors.
Discovered that hill-climbing behavior relies on one of three fundamental circuit motifs.
Found that goal-seeking behavior emerges from the coordinated action of two such motifs.

Conclusions:

Neural circuit motifs provide a foundational understanding of spatial orientation behaviors.
These identified motifs offer a predictive framework for future research in nematodes and other organisms.
The study highlights the efficiency of simple, recurring circuit designs in generating complex behaviors.