neurons typicallyjoin axon to dendrite. how could this information be used to explain why some neurons need to receive input from many cells in order to "fire" a message?
(this called a neuronal pooling)
Um... it uses dendrite to receive signals (inputs) from many other cells because dendrite has many branches of nerve endings. Axons are joined to the dendrite from the head body so the information (message) can be facilitated to the head body.
This is what I think, at least.
It depends on the limen for firing of the neuron and whether the neuron is also receiving impulses from other neurons that increase this limen to make it harder to fire. it is the combined influence from all the influencing neurons that determines if the single neuron will fire or not.
However, strictly speaking, the axons and dendrites (or cell bodies) are not "joined." They are separated by a small space — the synapse.
I searched Google under the key words "neuronal pooling" to get these possible sources:
http://rmoskowitz.tripod.com/neural.html
http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=639744
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_motor_neuron
You may need to use the <Find> command for "pool."
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
To explain why some neurons need to receive input from many cells in order to "fire" a message, we can use the concept of neuronal pooling. Neurons typically join the axon (the long projection that carries signals away from the cell body) to dendrites (the branching extensions that receive signals from other neurons). This structure plays a crucial role in the neuron's function.
In a neuronal pool, multiple neurons receive and integrate inputs from various sources. When the combined input reaches a certain threshold, the neuron fires an action potential, transmitting a message to other neurons. This pooling of inputs allows for a collective decision-making process within the neuronal pool.
By connecting axons to dendrites, neurons create a network that facilitates the transfer of information. The dendrites of a neuron receive inputs from other neurons through synapses, which are junctions where two neurons meet. These synapses transmit signals in the form of electrochemical impulses.
However, not all incoming signals are strong enough to activate an individual neuron. Neurons have a certain threshold that must be surpassed for them to generate an action potential and transmit a message further. This threshold is often determined by the amount or quality of input received from other neurons.
The need for input from many cells before firing a message is essential for various reasons. Firstly, it allows for integration and processing of multiple pieces of information. By pooling inputs from different sources, neurons can perform complex computations and decision-making based on various aspects of the sensory environment.
Secondly, neuronal pooling provides a level of redundancy and reliability in signal transmission. If a single incoming signal is weak or disrupted, the collective input from multiple cells can compensate for it, ensuring accurate and consistent transmission of information.
Lastly, neuronal pooling enables modulation and amplification of signals. By receiving inputs from multiple cells, a neuron can integrate and summate these signals, potentially reaching the firing threshold even if each input alone is sub-threshold. This allows for amplification of weak signals and fine-tuning of the response.
In summary, the connection between axons and dendrites of neurons explains why some neurons require input from many cells to fire a message. This feature, known as neuronal pooling, permits integration, redundancy, reliability, modulation, and amplification of signals within a neuronal pool.