- #1
daniel350
- 13
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Of late, I have been self-learning about the underlying biology behind neurons; saltatory conduction; electrotonic and action potentials. I have (at least for the most part) surmised a basic understanding of how most of this works.
What I don't understand, is how do the neurons differentiate? How is any information 'stored'?
From what I have learned up to this point, the only differentiation in a network of neurons is the:
If not for the connections changes (dendritic spines), there does not appear to be an inherent value that changes in the neuron?
Also, how are the neurotransmitters in each synapse different.
What decides that synapse A will have x amount of GABA, and synapse B have y amount of Glutamate.
How does a dendritic spine form if it does not exist in the first place? Is it like a chance bonding between a dendrite and axon terminal based on distance? Obviously (?) its growth or demise is based on the frequency of firing.
What I don't understand, is how do the neurons differentiate? How is any information 'stored'?
From what I have learned up to this point, the only differentiation in a network of neurons is the:
- Number of synapses (connections) between the neurons
- and therefore the differences in attenuation for the electrotonic potential as it moves to the Axon hillock.
- The neurotransmitters released in synapses.
If not for the connections changes (dendritic spines), there does not appear to be an inherent value that changes in the neuron?
Also, how are the neurotransmitters in each synapse different.
What decides that synapse A will have x amount of GABA, and synapse B have y amount of Glutamate.
How does a dendritic spine form if it does not exist in the first place? Is it like a chance bonding between a dendrite and axon terminal based on distance? Obviously (?) its growth or demise is based on the frequency of firing.
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