Relatively simple neuronal ensembles operate in the spinal cord where they control basic automatisms such as monosynaptic tendon reflex and reciprocal innervation of muscles. (Manjarrez E et al. 2000 Modulation of synaptic transmission from segmental afferents by spontaneous activity of dorsal horn spinal neurones in the cat. J Physiol. 529 Pt 2(Pt 2):445-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7793.2000.00445.x) (Manjarrez E et al. 2002 Cortical neuronal ensembles driven by dorsal horn spinal neurones with spontaneous activity in the cat. Neurosci Lett. 318(3):145-8. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3940(01)02497-1). These include both excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Central pattern generators that reside in the spinal cord are more complex ensembles for coordination of limb movements during locomotion. Neuronal ensembles of the higher brain structures such as the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum are not completely understood, despite the vast literature on the neuroanatomy of these regions.
