Noise in the nervous system
A Aldo Faisal, Luc P J Selen, Daniel M Wolpert, A Aldo Faisal, Luc P J Selen, Daniel M Wolpert
Abstract
Noise--random disturbances of signals--poses a fundamental problem for information processing and affects all aspects of nervous-system function. However, the nature, amount and impact of noise in the nervous system have only recently been addressed in a quantitative manner. Experimental and computational methods have shown that multiple noise sources contribute to cellular and behavioural trial-to-trial variability. We review the sources of noise in the nervous system, from the molecular to the behavioural level, and show how noise contributes to trial-to-trial variability. We highlight how noise affects neuronal networks and the principles the nervous system applies to counter detrimental effects of noise, and briefly discuss noise's potential benefits.
Figures
![Figure 1. Overvie of the behavioural loop…](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/instance/2631351/bin/ukmss-3512-f0001.jpg)
![Figure 2. Examples amples of cellular noise](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/instance/2631351/bin/ukmss-3512-f0003.jpg)
Source: PubMed