Neural network. Diagrammatic illustration of the pathway of information in a neural network, useful in computer applications. At centre right, input data (red arrow) is received by parameters (blue spheres), then flows on to neurones (red spheres) where data is processed, and the response (blue spheres) issue the combined output (blue arrow). In information technology a neural network tries to approach the complexity and power of an animal's nervous system, using the same principals of stimulus-response. But in computer application, animal nerve receptors, nerve fibres & cells, are replaced by input devices, microprocessor chips and very rapid computer analysis and output.