・神経回路と脳機能

Neural circuitry and brain functions.

　ヒトの精神活動・心の理解には，個々の神経細胞の活動により支えられる神経回路の作動原理の理解が欠かせない。そのために，単一神経細胞に始まり，神経細胞群，機能的脳領域，さらに領域間相互作用まで，ミクロからマクロの階層にわたる脳内ネットワークの繋がりの全体像，いわゆるコネクトームを，構造及び機能の両面から理解すべく，各国で大型脳プロジェクトが進行中である。本稿では，これらの実体と脳機能の解明に向けた今後の課題を議論する。

　To understand the fundamentals of brain functions and our mind, it is essential to elucidate working principles of neural circuit activity orchestrated by the activities of single neurons. To achieve this goal, several big projects are ongoing worldwide to decode brain connectomes at micro- through macro-scales, aiming at obtaining a whole picture of neural connectivity ranging from single neurons, group of neurons, functional brain areas, and connections between the areas, and to understand the structure and functions of our brain. We will briefly overview these ongoing efforts and discuss issues that need to be solved as we move forward.