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International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Series | Book | Chapter

196382

Information integration in the brain

modeling a putative function of the astroglial network

Alfredo Pereira Fabio Augusto Furlan

pp. 159-169

Abstract

Astrocytes receive somatic signals carried by blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as sensory and cognitive information carried by neuronal assemblies. Their position, hub-like structure and intrinsic processing capabilities suggest that they integrate spatially distributed information. Oscillatory synchrony and constructive wave interference have been proposed to constitute mechanisms of neuro-astroglial interaction. We further claim that the astrocytic network appreciates information contents processed by neurons, modulating neuronal activity (and then the behavior) according to valences attributed to them. Here we report our modeling of mental functions of astrocytes and discuss empirical results that could confirm or desconfirm the model.

Publication details

Published in:

Magnani Lorenzo (2014) Model-based reasoning in science and technology: theoretical and cognitive issues. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 159-169

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-37428-9_10

Full citation:

Pereira Alfredo, Furlan Fabio Augusto (2014) „Information integration in the brain: modeling a putative function of the astroglial network“, In: L. Magnani (ed.), Model-based reasoning in science and technology, Dordrecht, Springer, 159–169.