Modelling Spatial Constraints on Brain Connectivity

In the mammalian brain, there is a large volume of white matter dedicated to long-range wiring, separated from the neuron cell bodies and short-range wiring. In the avian brain, no such dedicated volume exists. Assuming that evolution has maximised brain functionality, what are the advantages of the mammalian arrangement from an engineering point of view? To find possible answers to the question, this project considers the implications of changing the spatial arrangements of networks on a two-dimensional computer model. As a basis for the research, we test results from previous analytical studies. We find that, when a network has high local connectivity and sparse global connectivity, the mammalian arrangement can potentially reduce the total length of wiring. We then draw on percolation theory to consider the possibility that separating long-range fibers enables neuron cell bodies to be more densely packed.