In the 25 years since From Neuron to Brain was first published, the authors' aim has remained constantĀ—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 editionĀ—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.
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
