Grid Cells: The Brain's Internal GPS System

A grid cell is a type of neuron found in the entorhinal cortex of the brain that is responsible for spatial navigation and orientation. These cells are activated when an individual moves through a specific location in a grid-like pattern, allowing them to map out their environment and create a mental representation of their surroundings. Grid cells are thought to play a key role in the formation of cognitive maps, which are essential for spatial memory and navigation. They were first discovered by neuroscientists May-Britt and Edvard Moser, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2014 for their work on the brain's navigation system.