The role of simplifying models in neuroscience: Modelling structure and function

Abstract

The adult human brain has around 10 11 neurons and 10 15 connections between these neurons, thus forming an incredibly complex network. In this article, we first describe two complementary approaches to modelling brain function, namely simplifying and realistic models. We then demonstrate, by way of two examples, the utility of building simplifying neural models. In the first example, we consider the development of neuronal positioning. In the second example, we investigate the stability of a cortical network under control and perturbed conditions. © 2008 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.