Self-organizing mechanism for the formation of ordered neural mappings.

A model for the formation of ordered neural mappings in general, and of retinotectal connections, in particular is given. The main point came from the theory of "noise induced transitions", i.e. order may be the result of the interplay between deterministic and random interactions. An activity-dependent self-organizing mechanism is presented in terms of modifiable synapses. Simulation experiments were done not only for the normal ontogenetic development but also for the plastic behaviour of the retinotopic connections.