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Related Concept Videos

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...
Neural Circuits01:25

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...
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...
Neurons: The Axon01:21

Neurons: The Axon

Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
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...
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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond
08:08

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

Published on: June 24, 2015

Network learning: Neuron-by-neuron error signals in the neocortex.

Blake Aaron Richards1

  • 1Mila, Montreal, QC, Canada; School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Learning in Machines and Brains Program, CIFAR, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Current Biology : CB
|June 8, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Researchers found neuron-by-neuron error signals in the brain, similar to those used in deep neural networks. This discovery sheds light on how the neocortex learns and processes information.

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond
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Published on: June 24, 2015

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Computational Neuroscience
  • Artificial Intelligence

Background:

  • Deep neural networks (DNNs) are computational models inspired by the brain.
  • DNNs utilize specific error signals for each neuron during training.
  • The biological basis for such localized error signals in the brain remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the existence of neuron-specific error signals in biological neural networks.
  • To explore the potential parallels between artificial and biological learning mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Electrophysiological recordings were performed in the neocortex of pyramidal neurons.
  • Experimental techniques focused on analyzing dendritic activity and synaptic plasticity.

Main Results:

  • The study provides the first direct evidence for neuron-by-neuron error signals.
  • These signals were observed in the apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons.
  • Findings suggest a biological mechanism analogous to error backpropagation in DNNs.

Conclusions:

  • The neocortex may employ localized error signals for efficient learning and adaptation.
  • This discovery bridges the gap between artificial intelligence and neuroscience.
  • Further research can explore the implications for understanding brain function and developing advanced AI.