Grandmother Cell

neuroscience cognition

Definition

Grandmother Cell

A grandmother cell is a hypothetical neuron dedicated to representing one particular person, object, or concept. Let $X$ be a set of represented entities and $N$ a set of neurons. The strict hypothesis assigns each entity its own neuron,

$$g:X\hookrightarrow N,$$

such that $g(x)$ activates selectively when $x$ is perceived or recalled. It is the strongest form of localist representation: one neuron, rather than an activity pattern across a population, is the representational vehicle for one entity.