Neural vs. Neuronal — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 29, 2023
"Neural" pertains to nerves or the nervous system, while "Neuronal" specifically refers to nerve cells or neurons.
Difference Between Neural and Neuronal
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Neural is a broader term that encompasses everything related to the nervous system or nerves. Whether it's the structure, function, or diseases related to it, "neural" serves as an umbrella term. On the other hand, Neuronal is more specific and deals primarily with the individual nerve cells, also known as neurons.
When we talk about Neural pathways or circuits, we refer to the comprehensive networks of nerve fibers that transmit information throughout the body. In contrast, Neuronal circuits or pathways would delve deeper, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual neurons.
Neural health, therefore, would involve the well-being of the entire nervous system. Neuronal health would primarily focus on the health and function of individual neurons, ensuring they can transmit signals efficiently.
In the realm of technology, we often hear about Neural networks, especially in artificial intelligence. These are algorithms designed to recognize patterns, resembling the way the human brain works. Neuronal networks, if the term were to be used in this context, would emphasize the intricacies of connections mimicking individual neurons.
While Neural can sometimes be used interchangeably with Neuronal in many contexts, it's crucial to recognize that Neuronal is always about the neurons, whereas Neural might be about any part of the nervous system.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Refers To
Nerves or the nervous system as a whole.
Specifically to nerve cells or neurons.
Scope
Broader.
Narrower, specific to neurons.
Usage in Technology
Neural networks in AI refer to pattern-recognition algorithms.
Would emphasize individual neuron-like connections.
Health Context
Pertains to the health of the entire nervous system.
Focuses on the health of individual neurons.
Common Associations
Neural pathways, Neural responses.
Neuronal circuits, Neuronal connections.
Compare with Definitions
Neural
Used in the context of technology, especially artificial intelligence.
The Neural network was trained to recognize faces.
Neuronal
Relating specifically to neurons or nerve cells.
Neuronal activity is fundamental for brain function.
Neural
Relating to the nerves or the nervous system.
She experienced a Neural response to the stimulus.
Neuronal
Refers to the properties or characteristics of a neuron.
Neuronal connections are vital for memory retention.
Neural
Denoting phenomena or functions of nerves.
The Neural activity increased during the experiment.
Neuronal
Indicating features or actions of neurons.
Neuronal pathways in the brain are intricate.
Neural
Pertaining to a nerve or the networks of nerves.
The Neural pathway was disrupted by the injury.
Neuronal
Used to describe phenomena at the level of individual nerve cells.
The drug affects Neuronal firing rates.
Neural
Of or relating to a nerve or the nervous system.
Neuronal
Denoting the cellular component of the nervous system.
Neuronal loss can lead to cognitive decline.
Neural
Of, relating to, or located on the same side of the body as the spinal cord; dorsal.
Neuronal
Any of the impulse-conducting cells that constitute the brain, spinal column, and nerves in vertebrates, consisting of a nucleated cell body with one or more dendrites and a single axon.
Neural
(biology) Of, or relating to the nerves, neurons or the nervous system.
Neuronal
A similar impulse-conducting cell in invertebrates.In both senses also callednerve cell.
Neural
(computing) Modelled on the arrangement of neurons in the brain.
Neuronal
Of, or relating to a neuron
Neural
Relating to the nerves or nervous system; taining to, situated in the region of, or on the side with, the neural, or cerebro-spinal, axis; - opposed to hemal. As applied to vertebrates, neural is the same as dorsal; as applied to invertebrates it is usually the same as ventral. Cf. Hemal.
Neuronal
Of or relating to neurons;
Neural network
Neural
Of or relating to the nervous system;
Nervous disease
Neural disorder
Neural
Of or relating to neurons;
Neural network
Neural
Associated with nerve-related processes.
Neural regeneration is crucial after nerve damage.
Common Curiosities
Can Neural and Neuronal be used interchangeably?
Often, but not always. Neural is broader, while Neuronal specifically refers to neurons.
Are all Neuronal aspects Neural?
Yes, because all neurons (and thus Neuronal aspects) are part of the nervous system (Neural).
What's a Neural network in AI?
A Neural network is an algorithm in AI designed to recognize patterns, mimicking the brain's function.
Do Neural disorders affect Neurons?
Yes, many Neural disorders can affect Neuronal health and functioning.
Is Neuronal health about the whole nervous system?
No, Neuronal health focuses primarily on the health and function of individual neurons.
Is a Neuronal connection the same as a Neural connection?
All Neuronal connections are Neural, but not all Neural connections are specifically Neuronal; they could involve other parts of the nervous system.
Is there a Neuronal network in AI like the Neural network?
While Neural networks are the common term in AI, Neuronal networks would emphasize individual neuron-like connections.
What does Neural refer to in medicine?
Neural refers to anything related to the nerves or the nervous system.
Can a drug have a Neural effect without a Neuronal effect?
It's unlikely, as any Neural effect would likely involve Neuronal activity or function at some level.
What happens during Neuronal firing?
Neuronal firing, or action potential, is when a neuron sends an electrical signal.
How do Neural circuits relate to Neuronal circuits?
Neural circuits involve broader networks of nerve fibers, while Neuronal circuits focus on interconnectedness of individual neurons.
How are Neural pathways different from Neuronal pathways?
Neural pathways refer to comprehensive nerve networks, while Neuronal pathways emphasize connections between individual neurons.
Can Neural health be maintained without ensuring Neuronal health?
No, Neuronal health is a crucial component of overall Neural health.
What's a Neural response?
A Neural response is how the nervous system or a nerve reacts to a stimulus.
Are Neural processes always about Neurons?
Not always. While neurons play a central role, Neural processes can involve other elements of the nervous system.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Catfish vs. Bullhead
Next Comparison
Prairie vs. SteppeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
