From Neuron to Brain

by John G. Nicholls, A. Robert Martin, Paul A. Fuchs

From Neuron to Brain , Fifth Edition, provides a readable, up-to-date book for use in undergraduate, graduate, and medical school courses in neuroscience. As in previous editions, the emphasis is on experiments made by electrical recordings, molecular and cellular biological techniques, and
behavioral studies on the nervous system, from simple reflexes to cognitive functions. Lines of research are followed from the inception of an idea to new findings being made in laboratories and clinics today.

A major change is that this edition begins with the anatomy and physiology of the visual system, from light receptors in the retina to the perception of images. This allows the reader to appreciate right away how nerve cells act as the building blocks for perception. Detailed mechanisms of signaling
are then described in later chapters. All chapters have been rewritten, and new chapters added.

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.

RESOURCES
The From Neuron to Brain Instructor's Resource Library includes all of the figures (including photographs) and tables from the textbook, sized and color adjusted for optimal legibility when projected.

Genres: Neuroscience, Science, Biology, Brain, Textbooks, Reference, Nonfiction

768 pages, Hardcover

First published August 12, 1976

Reviews

[Michael Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book primarily focuses on auditory physiology, synaptic transmission, vision physiology, & neural maturation, as well as provides a detailed and clear understanding of the basic fundamental background in cellular neurobiology. Starting with the basics structure of ion controls and their proteins, and moves on to higher levels of composition and function, this book lays a comprehensive road map for advanced neural sciences.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

the best parts were much better than the best parts of The Cell: A Molecular Approach, while the worst parts were worse than the worst of The Cell.

unfortunately i read the 3rd ed (1992) because i had it from a neuro class i took in college. the 4th ed (2001) would obviously have been much more up to date.

by far the most fascinating stuff was about the visual system. reading the hundreds of pages on ion channels was one of the most masochistic things i've ever done.



factoids:
if you inject barbituates into a (right-handed) person's left carotid artery, for a few minutes they can sing but can't speak. inject their right carotid, and they can speak but not sing.

"the dumber the animal, the smarter its retina"

the image of the moon projected onto your retina is about .12 mm in diameter

[vdm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great intro textbook. It manages to cover complex in sufficient detail to keep it relevant all the way up through thesis-level work, while the detail is sufficient that it won't overwhelm a newcomer. Great review of the basics of neurophysiology and circuitry!

[Amanda Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a chapter on modified sensory capabilities of ants. They can detect polarized light and use it for navigation. Other than that this is a standard Neurobiology text from neuron to higher order processing in the frontal cortex and short enough for a semester long course.

[dead letter office · Rating 4 out of 5]

a solid introduction to neurobiology and the electrophysiology that underlies the nervous system.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Textbook of neuro science. Something challenging and something I can brag about with. I always wanted to be a doctor. This is general textbook for students.

[Jeremy Bamford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kandel, Schwartz, and Jessel is old but much better than this. For a newer undergrad intro text look to the Purvez book.