Optic Glomeruli: Biological Circuits that Compute Target Identity
Abstract
The aim of this project was to investigate synaptic organization in optic glomeruli of the insect visual system. The research is based on the premise that each glomerulus receives an ensemble of small field neurons from the lobula that encodes a specific low-order visual primitive. The expectation is that more complex parameters of visual space are computed by interactions amongst glomeruli via local interneurons that then transmit this data selectively to premotor channels (descending neurons) that control flight initiation, direction and targeting. The present project focuses on synaptic organization of glomeruli, comparing this arrangement with glomeruli in the antennal lobe system for which there is much data available. The nature of this research requires enormous investment in time using serial section electron microscopy as well as patch clamp recording from local interneurons, the smallest neurons in the fly brain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA590052
Entities
People
- Nicholas Strausfeld
Organizations
- University of Arizona