A Complex Network Approach to Topographical Connections

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  • 20 June 2003
Abstract
Neuronal networks in the mammals cortex are characterized by the coexistence of hierarchy, modularity, short and long range connections, spatial correlations, and topographical distribution of both cells and maps. The present work reports on how recent results from complex network formalism, including the incorporation of spatial constraints expressed in terms of Voronoi tessellations, can be used to quantify and model the effect of horizontal and vertical spatial connections between neuronal cells over a number of relevant network properties such as connectivity, adjacency, and information broadcasting. While the topographical mapping between two cortical modules are achieved by connecting nearest cells from each module, intensively adjacent Watts-Strogatz networks are adopted for implementing intracortical connections. It is shown that, though spatially uniform and simple, topographical connections between modules can lead to major changes in the network properties. The possible implications of such effects on cortical operation are discussed.

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