Image of the Week

Checks and Balances

  • Published7 Mar 2016
  • Reviewed7 Mar 2016
  • Author Alexis Wnuk
  • Source BrainFacts/SfN

This image of brain neurons cultured from a mouse shows this interaction: the “inhibitory” neuron (blue) sends signals that can prevent the “excitatory” neuron (red) from firing.
Wierda et al. The Journal of Neuroscience, 2014.

Brain activity is a balancing act — some brain cells are tasked with keeping others in check. This image of brain neurons cultured from a mouse shows this interaction: the “inhibitory” neuron (blue) sends signals that can prevent the “excitatory” neuron (red) from firing. Studying these inhibitory neurons in a dish could reveal important clues about how they regulate the activity of more complex brain circuits.

CONTENT PROVIDED BY

BrainFacts/SfN

Image of the Week

Check out the Image of the Week Archive.

Explore

Research & Discoveries

See how discoveries in the lab have improved human health.

Read More

Core Concepts

A beginner's guide to the brain and nervous system.

Explore