Perception and Cognition, Single-/Multi-neuronal Recording Studies of

Abstract

Microelectrode recording of isolated single neurons from brain allows examination of the relationship between neural activity and behavior. Single neuron recording has been utilized to describe correlations of neurons with external events: sensory stimuli, behavioral responses, etc. These neural correlates identify brain areas that are active during various behavioral or cognitive tasks, but do not necessarily suggest what role those areas may play in processing information. Multiple neuron recording allows examination of connections between neurons, as well as more complex patterns of neural activity underlying information processing. Many neural patterns have recently been characterized in experiments in which it is possible to identify more precise roles for those neurons in behavioral and cognitive tasks. Techniques for single and multiple neuron recording include serial recording of neurons, accompanied by analysis of the neural data as if it had been recorded simultaneously. Alternatively, multiple recording electrode assemblies provide true simultaneous ‘ensemble’ recordings of multiple neurons. Analysis of the ensemble activity of multiple neurons range from the basic to the complex. The most basic analyses treat each neuron individually, and only examine the contribution the average or overall activity of the brain. More complex analyses include deciphering the connections between neurons to determine neural circuitry, and analysis of patterns of neural activity that control behavioral and physical responses derived from the underlying cognitive processes of the brain.