Abstract:
Understanding how the structure of neural circuits mediates its function is an area
of key interest in neuroscience, particularly in instances where circuits that are
trying to accomplish the same over-arching goal, make use of different structural
parameters. The antennal lobe - mushroom body circuit of the insect olfactory
system - that functions to represent odours experienced by the insect - is one of
the most well characterized neural circuits, with physiology and function having
been studied in great detail up to the 4th order neurons. In addition there exists
significant variations in the structural parameters of this circuit between insects.
It therefore provides a useful model in which to understand structure-function relationships.
In this thesis I will begin by studying the effect of including temporal
structure in neural activity on the function of this circuit. My results suggest that
this temporal structure is utilized differently by the circuit depending on the structural
parameter regimes adopted, allowing different parameter regimes to function
optimally in different conditions. Such results are not predicted by the more simplistic
models used in earlier studies, implying that more realistic models of neural
circuitry can provide novel insight into its function. I will then show more rigorously
that there is more than one regime of structural parameters in which this circuit
can perform its function optimally.
