Coherent Assembly Dynamics in the Cortex: Multi-Neuron Recordings, Network Simulations and Anatomical Considerations

摘要: The anatomical structure of the neo-cortex and, particularly, its massive connectivity strongly suggest that functional organization this part brain is based upon interactions within and among groups cells (Braitenberg Schuz, 1991). This observation has prompted neurobiologists as early Sherrington (1941) Hebb (1949) (see also James, 1890) to speculate cortical neurons do not act in isolation, but rather they organize into cell assemblies for various computational tasks Gerstein et al., 1989, a review different definitions concept assembly). One operational definition assembly been particularly influential: near-simultaneity or some other specific timing relation firing participating neurons. As, instance, elaborated ‘synfire chain’ (Abeles, 1982, 1991), synaptic influence multiple converging onto others network much stronger if fire (near-) coincidence. Thus, temporal coherence synchronous firing, postulated mechanism perceptual integration (Hebb, 1949), would fact be directly available potential neural code (Perkel Bullock, 1968; Michalski, 1981; Johannesma 1986).