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Related Concept Videos

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation01:19

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex01:23

Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at the...
Propagation of Action Potentials01:23

Propagation of Action Potentials

The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...
Action Potential01:14

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Multiscale Investigations of Cortical Processing by Integrating Laminar Polytrodes and Optogenetics with Micro Electrocorticography in Rodents
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Spontaneous and driven cortical activity: implications for computation.

Dario L Ringach1

  • 1Department of Neurobiology and Psychology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA. dario@ucla.edu

Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|August 4, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Spontaneous neural activity is not random noise but highly structured, reflecting cortical network connectivity and predictive processing. This structured activity integrates with external stimuli to shape our perception of the world.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Computational Neuroscience
  • Systems Neuroscience

Background:

  • The conventional understanding of spontaneous neural activity as mere 'noise' is being re-evaluated.
  • Emerging evidence indicates significant structure within this activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the traditional view of spontaneous neural activity.
  • To propose a new framework for understanding cortical computation based on recent findings.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of spatio-temporal patterns in spontaneous cortical activity.
  • Investigation of the relationship between network connectivity and spontaneous activity.
  • Examination of the interaction between spontaneous activity and external stimuli.
  • Exploration of how natural signal statistics shape network connectivity.

Main Results:

  • Spontaneous activity in cortical populations exhibits complex spatio-temporal structure.
  • This structure is intrinsically linked to the underlying cortical network's connectivity.
  • Spontaneous activity modulates responses to external stimuli, influencing perception.
  • Network connectivity is dynamically shaped by the statistical properties of natural signals.
  • Ongoing cortical activity functions as a continuous predictive signal, updating world representations.

Conclusions:

  • Spontaneous neural activity is a structured, information-carrying process, not random noise.
  • A new framework integrating connectivity, prediction, and external input is proposed for cortical computation.
  • This perspective reframes our understanding of how the brain processes information and interacts with the environment.