The role of neural activity in cortical axon branching

Axonal branching is an important process for establishing the final pattern of connections between a neuron and its target cells. Cortical connections between upper-layer cells in the neocortex have provided insights into the cellular mechanisms by which electrical activity regulates neural connectivity, including branch formation. Recent evidence further indicates that spontaneous firing and synaptic transmission contribute to axonal branching of cortical neurons through postsynaptic activation.