The packet switching brain.
The computer metaphor has served brain science well as a tool for comprehending neural systems. Nevertheless, we propose here that this metaphor be replaced or supplemented by a new metaphor, the "Internet metaphor," to reflect dramatic new network theoretic understandings of brain structure and function. We offer a "weak" form and a "strong" form of this metaphor: The former suggests that structures and processes unique to Internet-like architectures (e.g., domains and protocols) can profitably guide our thinking about brains, whereas the latter suggests that one particular feature of the Internet-packet switching-may be instantiated in the structure of certain brain networks, particularly mammalian neocortex.
Graham
Daniel
D
Department of Mathematics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA. daniel.j.graham@dartmouth.edu
Rockmore
Daniel
D
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D019365:Metaphor; D008959:Models, Neurological; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology