Intro to computational science

Question 1

What is computational neuroscience?

Answer 1

It is the mathematical modelling of core features of cells, circuits and neural networks.

Question 2

Why do we use computational neuroscience (2)?

Answer 2

1. To model neural circuits and network functions in order to develop predictions and testable hypotheses.
2. To understand complex networks in the brain.

Question 3

Animal or human movement can be described in terms of…?

Answer 3

Sequences of actions

Question 4

What are sequences of actions and how they are organised?

Answer 4

Units that are either hierarchical or serially organised into adaptive behaviour.

Question 5

What is adaptive behaviour?

Answer 5

Behaviour that enables person to cope with environment with greatest success and least conflict with others.

Question 6

What are 2 brain regions involved in action selection?

Answer 6

1. Verterbrates - Basal Ganglia
2. Insects - Central Complex (mediates action selection)

Question 7

What is the equivalent name for the hippocampus in insects?

Answer 7

Mushroom bodies

Question 8

What are the 3 fundamental features of the insect central complex?

Answer 8

1. Connections from the protocerebral bridge (PB) to the ellipsoid body (EB) (Columnar neurons).
2. FB-EB neurons and EB ring neurons: intersect in the tangential way ( the neuropil (meshwork).
3. Columnar and tangential neurons innervate these neuropil.

Question 9

How neural representations of the entire sensory space can be divided?

Answer 9

To so-called modules (red triangles).