From Neuron to Brain: A Cellular Approach to the Function of the Nervous System - Hardcover

Stephen W. Kuffler; John G. Nicholls; A. Robert Martin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0878934448 ISBN 13: 9780878934447

Publisher: Sinauer Associates Inc., Sunderland, Massachusetts, 1984

Synopsis

In the 25 years since From Neuron to Brain was first published, the authors' aim has remained constant—to describe how nerve cells go about their business of transmitting signals, how the signals are put together, and how, out of this integration, higher functions emerge. The new Fourth Edition, while maintaining this focus, has been completely reformatted and updated. The emphasis, as before, is on experiments, and on the way they are carried out. Using a narrative approach, the authors follow a line from the original inception of a new idea to an account of research being done today. The wealth of new facts, techniques, and concepts, however, presented a challenge in keeping the book to a manageable size. Inevitably, the authors have had to delete descriptions of certain clical experiments. Largely in response to readers' comments, elements of format and presentation have been changed for this new edition—more headings have been introduced, the paragraphs are shorter, and the illustrations, now in full color, have been clarified. As in previous editions, references are cited throughout the text, and appendices are provided to help readers unfamiliar with the nervous system deal with essential facts and definitions. Intended for use in upper-level undergraduate, graduate, psychology, and medical school Neuroscience courses, From Neuron to Brain will be of interest to anyone, with or without a specialized background in biological sciences, who is curious about the workings of the nervous system. It presents a readable and coherent account of how cellular and molecular approaches can provide insights into the workings of the brain.

About this title

From the Publisher

Contents
PART I. INTRODUCTION

Principles of Signaling and Organization

PART II. SIGNALING IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Ion Channels and Signaling

Structure of Ion Channels

Transport across Cell Membranes

Ionic Basis of the Resting Potential

Ionic Basis of the Action Potential

Neurons as Conductors of Electricity

Properties and Functions of Neuroglial Cells

Principles of Direct Synaptic Transmission

Indirect Mechanisms of Synaptic Transmission

Transmitter Release

Synaptic Plasticity

Cellular and Molecular Biochemistry of Synaptic Transmission

Neurotransmitters in the Central Nervous System

PART III. INTEGRATIVE MECHANISMS

Cellular Mechanisms of Integration and Behavior in Leeches, Ants, and Bees

Autonomic Nervous System

Transduction of Mechanical and Chemical Stimuli

Processing of Somatosensory and Auditory Signals

Transduction and Signaling in the Retina

Analysis of Form in Primary Visual Cortex

Functional Architecture of the Visual Cortex

Cellular Mechanisms of Motor Control

PART IV. DEVELOPMENT OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Development of the Nervous System

Denervation and Regeneration of Synaptic Connections

Critical Periods in Visual and Auditory Systems

PART V. CONCLUSION

Open Questions

About the Author

JOHN G. NICHOLLS, SISSA, Trieste, Italy.

PAUL A. FUCHS, John Hopkins University School of Medicine.

A. ROBERT MARTIN, University of Colorado School of Medicine.

BRUCE G. WALLACE, University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sinauer Associates Inc., Sunderland, Massachusetts
• Publication date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0878934448
• ISBN 13: 9780878934447
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 651