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Neural encoding

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Neural coding. (Discuss)

Neural encoding is the way in which information is represented in neurons. Information is encoded into different patterns of action potentials.
Sensory events, such as a light being on or off, can be represented in different ways:

With a time code, the presence of an event is signaled by neural firing. For example, as long as it is light, a neuron fires; the moment it gets dark, the neuron stops firing.
With an event code, a change of an event is signaled by neural firing. For example, the moment the light is turned on, the neuron fires, and the moment it is turned off, the neuron fires again.
With a frequency code the intensity of an event can be signaled. For example, the stronger the light, the more frequent the cell fires.
However, a frequency code can also signal qualitative changes. For instance, an increase in frequency could mean that the light is red, while a decrease in intensity could mean a green light.^[1]