Abstract
How a collection of single neurons self-organize to form a complex functional system, the
neural network, is a fundamental question. Two-dimensional in vitro invertebrate preparations
o2er an attractive model system to tackle this question due to the large size ofthe neurons, and
their ability to grow in relative isolation as well as to develop elaborate networks. We culture
locust neurons, monitor and analyze their morphology and growth process under various density
conditions. The neurons actively target neighbor cells, and their structure is a2ected by neuronal
vicinity. As the network forms there is a tendency for simpli&cation of neuronal morphology.
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