# Neural network
## MicroSim spec
- **Recommended sim type:** network dynamics
- **Microsimmability score:** 82/100
- **Layout:** drawing region (canvas) on top; control region (sliders/buttons) below.
### Parameters (tunable controls)
- `Number of neurons`
- `Connection weight`
- `Activation threshold`
### What animates
Activity propagates through layers of neurons as weights and thresholds change.
### Learning objective
Show how weighted connections let a network transform inputs.
## Links (Wikipedia order)
<!-- injected from _registry/childlinks/Neural_network.json (2026-07-30T02:09:12Z) -->
`Action_potential` · `Activation_function` · `Adaptive_control` · `Alexander_Bain_(philosopher)` · [[Artificial_intelligence]] · `Artificial_neuron` · `Backpropagation` · `Brain` · `Cell_(biology)` · `Confocal_microscopy` · `Connectionism` · `Electrochemistry` · [[Emergence]] · `Empirical_risk_minimization` · `Excitatory_postsynaptic_potential` · `Facial_recognition_system` · `Feedforward_neural_network` · `Frank_Rosenblatt` · `General_game_playing` · `Generative_AI` · `Gunnar_Svaetichin` · `Handwriting_recognition` · `Hidden_layer` · `History_of_artificial_neural_networks` · `Inhibitory_postsynaptic_potential` · `Linear_combination` · [[Machine_learning]] · `Marvin_Minsky` · [[Mathematical_model]] · `Muscle_cell` · [[Nervous_system]] · `Neural_network_(biology)` · `Neural_network_(disambiguation)` · [[Neural_network_(machine_learning)]] · `Neural_network_software` · `Neuron` · [[Neuroscience]] · `Perceptron` · `Perceptrons_(book)` · `Seymour_Papert` · `Striatum` · `Synapse` · `Walter_Pitts` · `William_James`
> p5.js MicroSim stub · part of Systems Thinking · [Wikipedia source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_network)
> Relation: subfield of systems thinking.
## Concept summary
A neural network is a group of interconnected units called neurons that send signals to one another. Neurons can be either biological cells or mathematical models.
## Build checklist
- [ ] Claim it: set `status: in-progress` + `lease` + `leased_at`
- [ ] Write the child page explaining the concept (tie it back to systems thinking)
- [ ] Finalize parameter ranges and defaults
- [ ] Implement the p5.js sketch (drawing + control regions)
- [ ] Add caption + the learning objective on the page
- [ ] Set `status: done`
## p5.js sketch
```javascript
// MicroSim: Neural network
let controls = {};
function setup() {
// createCanvas(...); create sliders for the parameters above.
}
function draw() {
// background(...); read controls; render network dynamics; respond live.
}
```
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Back to Systems Thinking · Wikipedia: [Neural network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_network)
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<!-- SEMIOTIC-PROFILE:START -->
## Semiotic profile
> *The semiotic universals this article invokes, machine-derived from the crossref — **unverified** (born so). Populated 2026-07-06 for the Systems room.*
**Universals (5):** 🟢 network (11) · 🟡 system (5) · 🟢 threshold (2) · 🟢 signal (1) · 🟢 transformation (1)
**Enter by sign:** Systems Semiotic Gateway · Alphabetum · Icon Registry · ← Systems Portal
<!-- SEMIOTIC-PROFILE:END -->
## Wikipedia : Wikitube
**Strict pair:** [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_network) : [Wikitube](https://en.wikitube.io/wiki/Neural_network)
## Previous hub tags
Tree parents: [[Cybernetics]] · [[Systems_theory]].
Legacy hubs: none.
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*Sources: 1 legacy note. Minted wave 1, 2026-07-30 (v1.6 order).*