An international team of scientists led by researchers from the University of Amsterdam discovered the type of neurons responsible for the ability of people to correctly orient themselves in space. An article with the results of scientific work was published in the journal Nature Communication. This is reported on the MedicalXpress website.
A brain structure called the hippocampus is responsible for pinpointing a location. It also plays a role in the formation of long-term memory. Its cells increase or decrease electrical activity depending on whether the person is following the correct route. However, if he goes along the same path every day, then the important role is not played by the ability to remember the entire road, but only the key points of the route.
Scientists have figured out which cells function as the neural analogue of a GPS navigator. To do this, they used an animal model - rats, which were placed in a maze shaped like the letter "F". The researchers measured the electrical activity in the animals' brains using a device that records neurons from four different regions: the peririnal cortex, the hippocampus, and two sensory zones.
The researchers found neurons that they called "neighborhood cells". They allow the brain to distinguish between the individual elements of the animal's environment. These neurons were activated when the rat traversed the maze loops. On the other hand, the activity of hippocampal neurons was recorded at points scattered throughout the maze.
The presence of these cells in humans is confirmed by the case of a taxi driver who was injured in the areas of the brain where the hippocampus is located. Despite the damage, he could move around the city using the main roads, but he got lost when he had to go around them. Neuroscientists believe that this person could navigate thanks to the work of only "neighborhood cells".