The analysis of the integrative functions of the cell links molecular neuroscience to systems and behavioral neuroscience and provides much of the foundation for clinical neuroscience. This growing area of neuroscience determines how neurochemical signals act on receptor molecules to mediate such diverse phenomena as muscle contraction and learning. Morphological studies of fiber pathways and cell groups include research at the ultrastructural level. Biochemical, immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies focus on neuronal receptors, ion channels as well as neurotransmitters and their associated enzymes. Electrophysiological investigations are aimed at understanding channel function, neuronal circuits, and the cellular basis of behavior.
Techniques range from patchclamp analyses of single channels to studies of complex field potentials.
The cells of the nervous system are organized into complex circuits that mediate fundamental behavioral processes. The goal of the systems neurobiologist is to understand how arrays of neurons interact to produce complex behaviors. Single neuron activity can be studied during ongoing behaviors in intact animals. Limited behaviors are also studied in vitro using preparations that permit the use of cellular methods of analysis. Multiple neuronal recording, using sophisticated time analysis schemes, reveals interactions among cells in circuits.