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Organizational levels of the cerebral cortex: An integrated model

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Abstract

We propose a theoretical model of the cerebral cortex which is based on its cellular components and integrates its different levels of organization: (1) cells have general adaptive and memorization properties; (2) cortical columns are repetitive interneuronal circuits which determine an adaptive processing specific to the cerebral cortex; (3) cortical maps effect selective combinations which are very efficient to learn basic behaviourial adaptations such as invariant recognition of forms, visually-guided hand movements, or execution of structured motor programs; (4) the network between cortical areas has a global architecture which integrates successive learning experiences into coherent functions such as the human language.

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Burnod, Y. Organizational levels of the cerebral cortex: An integrated model. Acta Biotheor 39, 351–361 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00114187

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