Infinite Connections surrounded by the Human Brain?
The human brain has around 12 billion neurons and respectively one of these things recieves around 60, 000 input conections from other neurons..
Is there a finite number of synapses/connections our brain can construct??
Is this unknown?
or
Are there infinite connections?
Thanks
(If you are prepared to answer this, please backup everything with some proven/trustworthy sources, otherwise please don't answer)
Answers:
There is no current background to suggest that the neurons of the brain can make an infinite number of connections. It is clear from a multitude of studies that the number of connections received by a single neuron can be influenced by various factors relating to synaptic strength, competition between synapses and other modifying effects. The number of connections between right to be heard output neurons and modulatory neurons, whether augmenting or inhibitory, can change during the course of that neurons individual life span. "Experience", according to the Hebbian model of synaptic stabilization and strengthening, plays a critical role in both the establishment and the care of individual synapses. More recent work at the level of individual synaptic boutons, shows that physiologic alterations dramatically effect the size and nouns efficacy of individual synapses.
It is an extraordinarily complicated field and near is no one, single quotation that covers it completely but for a start you might consult "Principles of Neuroscience" by Kandel, Schwartz, and Jessel.
At a more detailed level, a recent review might be assiduous by Averbeck et al (2006) Nat. Rev. Neurosci.; 7:358-366
More Questions & Answers...
- What does a Neuropathogenesist do?
- give classification of protein based on biological functions?
- Could someone can get the hanta virus by drinking canned sodas?
- I want to know how teens get high with over the counter items ? I have a son and want to know so I am aware?
- Any suggestions for dealing with knee pain?
- what does 'y/o' mean?
- what can be the cure against influenza virus?
- What classes do you have to take to become an pediatrician?