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neural coding

the rules and mechanisms by which neurons communicate: specifically, the unique pattern, temporal relationship, amplitude, and other characteristics of pulses (i.e., action potentials) or other signals that carry out a particular sensory or other function in the nervous system. Researchers can utilize a variety of theoretical models to analyze and understand the neural coding that underlies, for example, how birds sing or how humans perceive color. See also neural representation.

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Psychology term of the day

January 11th 2025

dose–response relationship

dose–response relationship

a principle relating the potency of a drug to the efficacy of that drug in affecting a target symptom or organ system. Potency refers to the amount of a drug necessary to produce the desired effect; efficacy refers to the drug’s ability to act at a target receptor or organ to produce the desired effect. Dose–response curves may be graded, suggesting a continuous relationship between dose and effect, or quantal, wherein the desired effect is an either–or phenomenon, such as prevention of arrhythmias. There is considerable variability among individuals in response to a given dose of a particular drug.