Random activity at the microscopic neural level in cortex ("noise") sustains and is regulated by low-dimensional dynamics of macroscopic cortical activity ("chaos")

International Journal of Neural Systems
Walter J. Freeman

Abstract

In this review I posit two levels of neural function. Microscopic activity is generated by neurons, to the extent that they act autonomously or in concert with networks of finite numbers of other neurons. Macroscopic activity is found in neuropil, where it depends on the sustained interaction of innumerable neurons. These levels coexist in cerebral cortex. Microscopic activity is manifested in the fraction of the variance of single neuron pulse trains (> 99.9%) that is both random and uncorrelated with pulse trains of other neurons in the neuropil. Macroscopic activity is revealed in the < 0.1% of the total variance of each neuron that is covariant with all other neurons in an area of neuropil comprising a population. It is best observed in dendritic potentials recorded as surface EEGs. The "spontaneous" background activity of neuropil at both levels arises from mutual excitation within a population of excitatory neurons. It is governed by a point attractor of the neuropil, which is actualized by the microscopic activity engendering the macroscopic state, and which acts as an order parameter to regulate the contributing neurons. The point attractor manifests a homogeneous field of white noise, into which sensory receptors send ...Continue Reading

Citations

Jun 10, 2011·International Journal of Neural Systems·Daniela Sabrina AndresMarcelo Merello
Jun 13, 2002·Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics·Takashi TatenoYasuhiko Jimbo
Jun 19, 2004·The International Journal of Neuroscience·Andrew A Fingelkurts, Alexander A Fingelkurts
Jun 28, 2019·Nature·Carsen StringerKenneth D Harris

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