Neural Computation as an Extension of Information Theory

The concept of a “Neural Code " is based on the assumption that the brain performs computations. However, this notion of neural computation is generally stated in a vague manner or not at all. In the present work, this assumption is stated in a formal, quantitative manner. This yields an implicit definition of the neural code. Specifically, any form of the neural code must satisfy basic quantitative conditions. These conditions take the form of functional equations which relate the input of a neural circuit to its output. These functional equations are applied to basic neural circuitry, i.e., an integrate and fire neuron as well as a thalamic relay neuron. The predicted behavior of thalamic relay neurons was confirmed, as well as that of an integrate and fire neuron. This suggests that this theory is an accurate quantitative formulation of basic neural computation. 1 2 ROBERT SNEDDO