This is a massive volume that provides a detailed sense of "the principles of neural science," the work's title. Basic statistics: the book weighs about nine pounds; it is 1709 pages long; it has 67 chapters; there are six appendices; 79 authors are involved; the book is divided up into 9 parts, each with numerous chapters. To compare, the fourth edition (published in 2000) had about 1400 pages. This volume is not meant for a general audience, but it is a wonderful resource for those who can work their way through its many chapters. I have found earlier volumes in this series very helpful for one part of my academic research agenda (the political implications of human biology).
Let's take a look at the structure of the volume, to illustrate the substance of the book. Part I provides an overall perspective on the scope of the book. The chapters examine the role of the brain in behavior, a summary of nerve cells and their function, and the relationship between genes, the brain, and behavior. With this serving as an introduction, Part II goes on to examine cells and the molecular biology of the neuron. Among subjects covered: The structure and nature of neurons and glial cells (which support neurons) and the electrical properties of neurons. Part III focuses on synapses, which provide for communication between and among neurons. How do synapses operate? What are chemical and electrical modes of operation? What is the role of neurotransmitters? Finally, this section considers diseases of the nerve and systems that they support.
Part IV is very important for my research interests--"The Neural Basis of Cognition." How does the brain and its structure affect cognition Chapter 15 describes the structure of the central nervous system and how the cerebral cortex, for example, affects cognition. In the chapter is a discussion of how the cerebral cortex is organized by layers AND by columns. Other important chapters in this section include effects on cognitive functioning of the brain outside the cerebral cortex and how functional imaging of cognition works (and the limitations with the use of such technology).
Part V summarizes our understanding of perception, how we come to experience the world around us. Subjects? The somatosensory system, touch, pain, vision (with five chapters devoted to the subject), the inner ear, hearing, and smell and taste. Part VI? Movement. The chapters herein explore the various elements in making movement possible. We learn of the different brain areas and other support systems underlying movement and locomotion.
How do people process information? Part VII concentrates on this, and this segment is also of relevance for my own research interests. Part VIII targets development and emergence of behavior. The one chapter in this section that is most poignant to me is Chapter 59--"The Aging Brain." The chapter speaks to what we know of the effects of aging on the brain and its functioning. Finally, section IX, "Language, Affect, and Learning." These represent key issues of interest in our understanding of central features of being human.
This book is not something that most of us would skim. But it is a compendium that well illustrates what we know about the structure and function of the brain. For those interested in the subject, this is an important work.
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Top reviews from other countries
DIPANKAR DAS
Excellent one.
Reviewed in India on March 14, 2023
DIPANKAR DAS
Reviewed in India on March 14, 2023
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Luc Wilson
Perfect reference for any neuroscientist
Reviewed in Canada on January 30, 2020
Ricardo Zavala
Excelente libro de Neurociencias
Reviewed in Mexico on December 21, 2018
Ricardo Zavala
Reviewed in Mexico on December 21, 2018
Totalmente recomendado, de fácil lectura y muy cómodo para leer (tamaño de letra y esquemas).
Este libro particularmente lo uso para el posgrado en Ciencias Fisiológicas y es un texto de consulta el cual explica de manera clara y concisa cada uno de los conceptos de la Neurofisiología y mecanismos básicos (moleculares, eléctricos, anatómicos).
Lo recomiendo ampliamente para estudiar Neurofisiología, ya sea que seas estudiante de neurociencias, biomédicas, o simplemente eres apasionado al tema.
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