An
interneuron (also called
relay neuron,
association neuron,
connector neuron or
local circuit neuron) is one of the three classifications of
neurons found in the human body. Interneurons create neural circuits, enabling communication between
sensory or
motor neurons and the
central nervous system (CNS). They have been found to function in
reflexes,
neuronal oscillations, and
neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain. Interneurons can be further broken down into two groups: local interneurons, and relay interneurons. Local interneurons have short axons and form circuits with nearby neurons to analyze small pieces of information. Relay interneurons have long axons and connect circuits of neurons in one region of the brain with those in other regions. The interaction between interneurons allow the brain to perform complex functions such as
learning, and decision making.