The provided code is a part of a computational neuroscience model focusing on the neural activity of a simulated network of neurons. Specifically, it deals with the generation of raster plots, a common method to visualize the timing of neural spikes across different neurons within a network. Here is the biological context relevant to this code:
The code models a neuronal network consisting of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, which are fundamental components in the brain's neural circuits. In biological neural networks:
Excitatory Neurons: These neurons release neurotransmitters (such as glutamate) that increase the likelihood of the receiving neuron firing an action potential. They primarily depolarize the postsynaptic neuron, leading to excitation.
Inhibitory Neurons: In contrast, these neurons release neurotransmitters (such as GABA) that decrease the likelihood of an action potential being fired. They usually hyperpolarize the postsynaptic neuron, leading to inhibition.
The key aspect of this code is the visualization of neuron spike times across the network:
Spike Times: The code identifies and records the spike timing of each neuron (indicated by non-zero values in the rast matrix), translating discrete time steps (spikesNeuron'*dt*(10^-3)) into real-world seconds by scaling with the time step (dt).
Raster Plots: Raster plots are used to display spike data. Each dot in a raster plot represents an action potential (spike) for a neuron at a particular instant in time. The code uses red dots to represent spikes from excitatory neurons (spksExc) and blue dots for inhibitory neurons (spksInh).
Neuron Indices: The neural network simulation differentiates between excitatory and inhibitory neurons using indices. Excitatory neurons are indexed from 1 to EneuronNum, while inhibitory neurons follow, starting from EneuronNum + 1.
Data Structuring: The code organizes spike times into structures (spksExcStruct and spksInhStruct) based on their classification as either excitatory or inhibitory, reflecting the biological diversity and functionality of neuron types.
This piece of code models a basic yet essential feature of neural dynamics—the interplay between excitatory and inhibitory neurons within a network framework. It provides insights into how complex neural circuits might exhibit specific patterns of activity and interaction that could be reflective of real biological processes. This type of data visualization is crucial for understanding temporal dynamics and functional connectivity in neural tissue.