Axonal Computations

Alcami, Pepe and El Hed, Ahmed (18. September 2019): Axonal Computations. In: Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, Vol. 13, 413: pp. 1-19

Abstract

Axons functionally link the somato-dendritic compartment to synaptic terminals. Structurally and functionally diverse, they accomplish a central role in determining the delays and reliability with which neuronal ensembles communicate. By combining their active and passive biophysical properties, they ensure a plethora of physiological computations. In this review, we revisit the biophysics of generation and propagation of electrical signals in the axon and their dynamics. We further place the computational abilities of axons in the context of intracellular and intercellular coupling. We discuss how, by means of sophisticated biophysical mechanisms, axons expand the repertoire of axonal computation, and thereby, of neural computation.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Form of publication: Publisher's Version
• Keywords: Analog-digital signaling; action potential generation; propagation; resistance; capacitance; myelin; axo-axonal coupling
• Faculties: Biology > Department Biology II
• Subjects: 500 Science > 570 Life sciences; biology
• Language: English