Neural Mass Modeling (NMM) is a theoretical framework used to describe the collective behavior of large populations of neurons in the brain. It simplifies the complex dynamics of individual neurons into a set of differential equations that represent the average activity of a neural mass, allowing researchers to investigate the macroscopic properties of neural networks. Key features of NMM include the ability to model oscillatory behavior, synchronization phenomena, and the influence of external inputs on neural dynamics. The equations often take the form of coupled oscillators, where the state of the neural mass can be described using variables such as population firing rates and synaptic interactions. By using NMM, researchers can gain insights into various neurological phenomena, including epilepsy, sleep cycles, and the effects of pharmacological interventions on brain activity.
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