A vector calculus for neural computation in the cerebellum.

ABSTRACT: When a neuron modulates its firing rate during a movement, we tend to assume that it is contributing to control of that movement. However, null space theory makes the counter-intuitive prediction that neurons often generate spikes not to cause behavior, but to prevent the effects that other neurons would have on behavior. What is missing is a direct way to test this theory in the brain. Here, we found that in the marmoset cerebellum, spike-triggered averaging identified a potent vector unique to each Purkinje cell (P-cell) along which the spikes of that cell displaced the eyes. Yet, the P-cells were active not just for saccades along their potent vector, but for all saccades. Simultaneous recordings revealed that two spikes in two different P-cells produced superposition of their potent ve

SUBMITTER: Fakharian MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11601439 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature