Abstract:

The diversity of neuron types and synaptic connectivity patterns in the cerebral cortex is astonishing. How this cellular and synaptic diversity contributes to cortical function is beginning to emerge.  Using the mouse visual system as amodel, I will discuss the mechanisms by which excitatory and inhibitory interactions between distinct neuron types contribute to the most basic operations performed by visual cortex. This lecture will highlight how the functional and structural analysis of cortical circuits allows us to bridge the gap between system and cellular neuroscience.