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From Neuron to Brain: A Cellular and Molecular Approach to the Function of the Nervous System
In the 25 years since From Neuron to Brain was first published, the authors' aim has remained constantto 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 classical experiments.
Largely in response to readers' comments, elements of format and presentation have been changed for this new editionmore 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.
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 classical experiments.
Largely in response to readers' comments, elements of format and presentation have been changed for this new editionmore 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.
679 pages, Hardcover
First published August 12, 1976
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 28, 2011
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.
April 24, 2009
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
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
May 3, 2016
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!
March 24, 2016
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.
April 18, 2008
a solid introduction to neurobiology and the electrophysiology that underlies the nervous system.
October 21, 2013
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.
September 12, 2015
Kandel, Schwartz, and Jessel is old but much better than this. For a newer undergrad intro text look to the Purvez book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews