From Neuron to Brain

From Neuron to Brain, Sixth 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.

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.

A. Robert Martin is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

David A. Brown is Professor of Pharmacology in the Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology at University College London.

Mathew E. Diamond is Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the International School for Advanced Studies in Trieste (SISSA).

Antonio Cattaneo is Professor of Physiology at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa.

Francisco F. De-Miguel is Professor of Neuroscience at the Instituto de Fisiolog?a Celular-Neurociencias of the Universidad Nacional Aut?noma de Mexico (UNAM).

Part I: Introduction to the Nervous System

1.Principles of Signaling and Organization
2.Signaling in the Visual System
3. Functional Architecture of the Visual Cortex

Part II: Electrical Properties of Neurons and Glia

4. Ion Channels and Signaling
5. Structure of Ion Channels
6. Ionic Basis of the Resting Potential
7. Ionic Basis of the Action Potential
8. Electrical Signaling in Neurons
9. Ion Transport across Cell Membranes
10. Properties and Functions of Neuroglial Cells

Part III: Intercellular Communication

11. Mechanisms of Direct Synaptic Transmission
12. Indirect Mechanisms of Synaptic Transmission
13.Release of Neurotransmitters at Synapses
14. Neurotransmitters in the Central Nervous System
15. Transmitter Synthesis, Storage, Transport, and Inactivation
16. Synaptic Plasticity
17. The Molecular and Cellular Biology of Synaptic Plasticity
18. Mechanisms of Extrasynaptic Transmission

Part IV: Integrative Mechanisms

19. Autonomic Nervous System
20. Walking, Flying, and Swimming: Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory-motor Behavior in Invertebrates
Part V: Sensation
21. Sensory Transduction
22. Transduction and Transmission in the Retina
23. Touch, Pain, and Texture Sensation
24. Auditory and Vestibular Sensation
25. Constructing Perception
26. Initiation and Control of Coordinated Muscular Movements

Part VI: Development and Regeneration of the Nervous System

27.Development of the Nervous System
28. Critical Periods in Sensory Systems
29. Regeneration and Repair of Synaptic Connections after Injury
Part VII: Conclusion
30. Open Questions

Appendix A. Current Flow in Electrical Circuits
Appendix B. Metabolic Pathways for the Synthesis and Inactivation of Low-Molecular-Weight Transmitters
Appendix C. Structures and Pathways of the Brain
Appendix D. Molecular Tools in Neurobiology