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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.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...

Neuronal Communication

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...

Synaptic Signaling

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...

Synaptic Signaling

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 Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

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.

The Synapse

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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Optogenetic Entrainment of Hippocampal Theta Oscillations in Behaving Mice

Optogenetic Entrainment of Hippocampal Theta Oscillations in Behaving Mice

Published on: June 29, 2018

Multiple mechanisms switch an electrically coupled, synaptically inhibited neuron between competing rhythmic

Gabrielle J Gutierrez¹, Timothy O'Leary, Eve Marder

¹Volen Center for Complex Systems and Biology Department, Brandeis University, 415 South St, Waltham, MA 02454, USA.

|March 12, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Neural network rhythms arise from how neurons synchronize. This study models how hub neurons integrate fast and slow oscillations, revealing flexible network dynamics adaptable through various cellular mechanisms.

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Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Optogenetic Entrainment of Hippocampal Theta Oscillations in Behaving Mice

Optogenetic Entrainment of Hippocampal Theta Oscillations in Behaving Mice

Published on: June 29, 2018

Contribution of the Na+/K+ Pump to Rhythmic Bursting, Explored with Modeling and Dynamic Clamp Analyses

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Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond

Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond

Published on: June 24, 2015

Area of Science:

Computational neuroscience
Systems neuroscience
Neural oscillations

Background:

Rhythmic oscillations are fundamental to nervous system function.
Understanding how neurons coordinate into network rhythms is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To model the recruitment of neurons into different network oscillations.
To investigate how electrical coupling and inhibitory synapse strengths influence network coordination.

Main Methods:

Developed a computational model of competing fast and slow oscillators connected to a hub neuron.
Utilized a novel visualization technique called the "parameterscape" to analyze network dynamics.
Simulated the effects of varying electrical coupling and inhibitory synapse strengths.

Main Results:

Identified distinct patterns of network coordination based on synapse strengths.
Demonstrated that the hub neuron can switch between fast and slow oscillator integration.
Showcased that network state changes can be achieved through multiple, degenerate cellular mechanisms.

Conclusions:

The integration of competing oscillators by a hub neuron is flexible and adaptable.
Degenerate mechanisms allow for robust control over network dynamics.
Findings provide a framework for interpreting experimental manipulations in neural circuits.