| The purpose of this thesis is to develop a biologically realistic model that will efficiently simulate the behaviors of individual neurons as well as those of several simple but well-studied invertebrate specimens. The simulation model uses a unified mathematical mechanism to formalize the neurophysiological principles necessary for simulation of both individual neuron behavior, and that of neuronal networks, which are constructed of multiple nerve cells.; Sodium and potassium channels are the major channels contributing to the generation of action potentials; our simulation models these two types of channels.; The simulation model is divided into two parts: the single neuron model and the network model. For the first part, basic single neuronal properties include variable threshold, absolute and relative refractory periods, excitatory and inhibitory reversal potentials, time constant, and the accommodation factor. In regard to the second part, a network is defined by specifying external and internal connection strength and delays associated with synapses. A single neuron can receive tonic external inputs or inputs from other neurons in the network.; Feedback circuits in the nervous system of the carnivorous gastropod Pleurobranchaea are also simulated, which reproduce a typical bursting strike-bite feeding response to chemosensory stimuli, and a withdrawal response to tactile stimuli. All the simulation results, including the above-mentioned single neuron model, are reported in detail.; A user-friendly editor has been provided to simulate different neural networks and allow for rapid modification and testing of the network. This considerably reduces both simulation time and errors that may occur when a general-purpose text editor is utilized. |
