Cortical Circuits of Vision

Abstract

The diversity of neuron types and synaptic connectivity patterns in the mammalian cerebral cortex is astonishing. How this cellular and synaptic diversity contributes to cortical function is just beginning to emerge. Using the mouse visual system as a model, 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. I will highlight how the functional and structural analysis of cortical circuits allows us to bridge the gap between system and cellular neuroscience.