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Interneurons (also called internuncial neurons, association neurons, connector neurons, or intermediate neurons) are neurons that are not specifically or . Interneurons are the central nodes of , enabling communication between sensory or motor neurons and the central nervous system (CNS). They play vital roles in , neuronal oscillations, and neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain.
Interneurons can be further broken down into two groups: local interneurons and relay interneurons. Local interneurons have short axons and form circuits with nearby neurons to analyze small pieces of information. Relay interneurons have long axons and connect circuits of neurons in one region of the brain with those in other regions. However, interneurons are generally considered to operate mainly within local brain areas. The interaction between interneurons allows the brain to perform complex functions such as learning and decision-making.
In 2008, a nomenclature for the features of GABAergic cortical interneurons was proposed, called Petilla terminology.
In addition to these general functions, interneurons in the insect CNS play a number of specific roles in different parts of the nervous system, and also are either excitatory or inhibitory. For example, in the olfactory system, interneurons are responsible for integrating information from odorant receptors and sending signals to the mushroom bodies, which are involved in learning and memory. In the visual system, interneurons are responsible for processing motion information and sending signals to the optic lobes, which are involved in visual navigation.
Interneurons are also important for coordinating complex behaviors, such as flight and locomotion. For example, interneurons in the thoracic ganglia are responsible for coordinating the activity of the leg muscles during walking and flying.
Interneurons' main function is to provide a neural circuit, conducting flow of signals or information between sensory neurons and motor neurons.
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