Neural synchronization
Neural synchronization is the process by which two or more neurons or neural ensembles tend to oscillate with a repeating sequence of relative phase angles.
Synchronized neural activity have been observed throughout the central nervous system. Neural synchronization can be modulated by task constrains, such as attention, and is thought to play a role in feature binding, neuronal communication and motor coordination.
Neurons form highly interconnected clusters that can be considered weakly coupled oscillators that are known to give rise to synchronized activity. Synchronized activity of a large number of neurons gives rise to electromagnetic fields that can be measured outside the scalp with electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography.
See also
- Synchronization of cortical activity and its putative role in information processing and learning by W. Singer (1993), Annu Rev Physiol 55: 349-374.
- A mechanism for cognitive dynamics: neuronal communication through neuronal coherence by P. Fries (2001), TICS 9: 474-480.
- Normal and pathological oscillatory communication in the brain by A. Schnitzler and J. Gross (2005), Nat Rev Neurosci 6: 285-296.
- Synchronization: a universal concept in nonlinear sciences. by A. Pikovsky, M. Rosenblum and J. Kurths (2001).
- Principles of brain functioning by H. Haken (1996).