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Margaux Kearney's picture

Interconnected boxes

From our many discussions in class and over the forum, we have discussed the idea of inputs and outputs entering and leaving the brain. In some cases inputs can enter the brain, but no output can be generated and vice versa. However, I am having a hard time grasping the concept of the nervous system in terms of interconnected boxes that can generate signals on their own. How can the nervous system react without an input? Are there factors as humans that we cannot perceive? Like someone mentioned in class, dogs have a level of hearing that surpasses humans. Often they react to stimuli that humans are often unaware of. Could previous experiences integrate themselves in the brain and cause "inputs" later on in life?  Is it gene related? Is there a biological clock that generates an output every so often?  

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