On the basis of systematic characteristics, the principles of structure, development, and functioning of the nervous system are established. These principles
serve as starting point for the design of theories and models. Empirical and
experimental tests and evaluations of theories and models complement existing
knowledge. This, in turn, enables us to develop new principles or modify them
in such a way that we come to have new models or new versions of the old ones.
Due to this obvious interactivity, it seems reasonable to discuss the principles of
structure and functioning of the central nervous system in the same chapter with
the theories and models that refer to them. The four principles that are discussed
in this chapter are hierarchical organization, parallel processing, plasticity, and
lateralization of functions.
