pacemaker neuron
pacemaker neuron
A neuron that generates rhythmic bursts of action potentials independently of synaptic input. This intrinsic property enables it to maintain oscillatory activity even when isolated from other neurons. It populates the brainstem, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, spinal cord, and cerebellum. It plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, generating respiratory rhythms in the preBötzinger complex, and synchronizing neural networks.