Modern Discoveries in Neuroscience... And What They Reveal About You (Collection)

1. Neuronal Circuitry: The Key to Unlocking the Brain

1-1. Introduction

The central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates contains an enormous number of neurons, each having elaborate electrical and chemical signaling mechanisms. These neurons are interconnected via synapses to form intricate neuronal circuits. While such a circuit is composed of molecules within cells, it also processes information and generates a multitude of functions. Much effort has been and continues to be devoted to bridging these two properties of neuronal circuits to explore still largely unknown mechanisms of the CNS. The circuits of the cerebellum have been on the forefront of this endeavor. This chapter addresses the methodologies and fundamental concepts that are currently ...