Neural network (biology)

Neural networks, in biology, refer to the complex network of interconnected neurons that form the basis of the nervous system in animals. These networks are responsible for processing information, transmitting signals, and coordinating various bodily functions. Unlike artificial neural networks, biological neural networks are characterized by:

• Biological Hardware: The fundamental units are biological neurons, not mathematical abstractions. Each neuron possesses a soma (cell body), dendrites (receiving signals), and an axon (transmitting signals).

• Chemical Signaling: Communication between neurons occurs primarily through chemical synapses, involving the release and reception of neurotransmitters. This contrasts with the electrical signal propagation in artificial networks.

• Plasticity: Biological neural networks exhibit plasticity, meaning their structure and function can change over time in response to experience. This includes processes like synaptic plasticity (changes in synaptic strength) and neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons).

• Complexity and Decentralization: Biological neural networks are vastly more complex than even the most advanced artificial networks, with billions of interconnected neurons and intricate feedback loops. Information processing is distributed across the network rather than centralized.

• Noisy and Probabilistic Behavior: Signal transmission and processing are not perfectly precise; there is inherent noise and stochasticity in the system.

The study of biological neural networks encompasses various subfields, including neuroanatomy (structure), neurophysiology (function), and computational neuroscience (modeling and simulation). Research into these networks is crucial for understanding cognition, behavior, and various neurological disorders. Understanding their complex architecture and dynamic processes is a major challenge in modern biology. Further research into specific network architectures like those found in the brain's various regions (e.g., cortex, cerebellum) is ongoing.