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Neurons Make Up the Brains

schematic view of extremely simplified neuron

+ input dendrites and output through axon (lasts for a thousandth of a second)
+ 2 main types:

projection neurons;
local neurons (interneuron);

+ interneuron is like the local streets, whereas the projection neuron, is like a system of main roads
+ axon tips, synapses, are attached to the dendrites of other neurons
+ most projection neurons in the forebrain are excitatory, whereas interneurons are either excitatory or inhibitory
+ several thousand synapses on the dendritic tree of each neuron
+ competition for synaptic space:

+ typically a million or more other neurons within the radius of the dendritic arbor of a given neuron
+ each neuron connects with about 1 percent of the neurons within its reach

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Computational Neurodynamics Lab

the University of Memphis

mpuljic@memphis.edu