Wiring optimization in cortical circuits

Chklovskii, D. B., Schikorski, T., Stevens, C. F. (April 2002) Wiring optimization in cortical circuits. Neuron, 34 (3). pp. 341-347. ISSN 0896-6273

URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11988166
DOI: 10.1016/S0896-6273(02)00679-7

Abstract

Wiring a brain presents a formidable problem because neural circuits require an enormous number of fast and durable connections. We propose that evolution was likely to have optimized neural circuits to minimize conduction delays in axons, passive cable attenuation in dendrites, and the length of "wire" used to construct circuits, and to have maximized the density of synapses. Here we ask the question: "What fraction of the volume should be taken up by axons and dendrites (i.e., wire) when these variables are at their optimal values?" The biophysical properties of axons and dendrites dictate that wire should occupy 3/5 of the volume in an optimally wired gray matter. We have measured the fraction of the volume occupied by each cellular component and find that the volume of wire is close to the predicted optimal value.

Item Type: Paper
Subjects: organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > neurons > neuronal circuits
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > neurons > neuronal circuits
organs, tissues, organelles, cell types and functions > cell types and functions > cell types > neurons > neuronal circuits
CSHL Authors:
Communities: CSHL labs > Chklovskii lab
Depositing User: Matt Covey
Date: April 2002
Date Deposited: 08 Jan 2014 21:37
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2014 21:37
Related URLs:
URI: https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/28688

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