What is the function of grid cells in the brain?
Grid cells are key players in how our brain represents space. When an animal, or indeed a human, moves through an environment, these cells in the entorhinal cortex become active in a specific, repeating pattern. Imagine a set of overlapping triangular grids covering the entire space; each grid cell is like a vertex on these grids. As you move, different combinations of these cells fire, creating a unique code for your location. This internal coordinate system is essential for both knowing where you are and for planning journeys, forming a crucial part of the brain's comprehensive spatial map.
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