A minimal model for excitable and bursting elements

We propose a simple map (a dynamical system with discrete time) as a minima l formal model of excitable and bursting cells. The map has two fast variab les and a single slow one and presents all the usual behavior of excitable cells like fast spiking, regular spiking, bursting, plateau action potentia ls and adaptation phenomena. The simplicity of the map enables us to examin e large regions in parameter space. The map can be used as a versatile elem ent for large scale simulations of neural systems. We discuss the efficient representation of chemical synapses in these coupled maps lattices. (C) 20 01 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.