The Synaptic Organization of the Brain - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195062566 ISBN 13: 9780195062564

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1990

Synopsis

The third edition of The Synaptic Organization of the Brain continues the tradition of earlier editions in focusing on the principles underlying the organization of neurons and synapses into functional circuits within the best-studied regions of the brain: autonomic ganglia, spinal cord, olfactory bulb, retina, cerebellum, thalamus, basal ganglia, olfactory cortex, hippocampus, and neocortex. To ensure authoritative coverage, the chapters have been written by leading researchers in each region. As in past editions, each chapter follows the same format: neural elements, synaptic connections, basic circuits, physiological properties, neurotransmitters, and dendritic properties. Each chapter now has a concluding section which discusses functional implications. This organization gives a logical structure to the description of each region, and greatly facilitates comparisons between regions and identification of common principles. Highlights include the first comprehensive attempt to incorporate intrinsic excitable membrane properties into neural circuits throughout the brain, the latest experimental results from patch recordings, brain slices, and intracellular labelling, and 3-D reconstructions of neurons and connections. The book also provides up-to-date summaries of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, second-messengers and ligand-and voltage-gated membrane channels for each brain region. Information on possible mechanisms underlying learning and memory in brain circuits is emphasized. A special focus is on methods for modeling neurons and circuits, as a first step toward a "biophysics of neural computation" and the construction of more realistic neural networks.

About this title

About the Author

Gordon M. Shepherd is Professor of Neuroscience, Yale University.

Review

" ... a compact monograph that makes a real and insightful effort to integrate information from synaptic neurophysiology with that from the areas of neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology and molecular neurobiology. ... The book provides excellent reviews of fundamental concepts and current hypotheses on the synaptic organization of the brain ... a good book on a difficult subject... a necessary complement to the library of any neurosciences-oriented institution. ... I recommend it to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows trying to grasp the development of a very important area of central nervous system research. ... it is sufficiently detailed and integrative to be useful to neuroscientists and anyone interested in the field of neuronal connectivity and function. This is a helpful book and I recommend it. " Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience (1998)

Praise for previous editions:

"The book remains a staple, and should be on the shelf of any serious neuroscientist."--The Quarterly Review of Biology

"An excellent introduction into the principles of synaptic organization of various brain regions."--Neuroscience

"By any measure this work is a classic...It will undoubtedly take its place as one of the most significant and comprehensive commentaries of our time on structure and function of nervous tissue."--Journal of Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology

"A valuable addition to the library of individuals who call themselves neuroscientists; it is a good general reference that provides a basic understanding of the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurochemistry that underlie the organization of neurons and synapses into functional circuits. This text also would provide a good introduction to further study of any of the specific regions of the nervous system."--Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association

"By any measure this work is a classic...It will undoubtedly take its place as one of the most significant and comprehensive commentaries of our time on the structure and function of nervous tissue."--Journal of Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology

"...this book is a coherent and lucid account on the physiological significance of brain connectivity and represents a necessary complement to the library of any neurosciences-oriented institution."--Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

'This is the fourth edition of a reference textbook that has served generations of neuroscientists at all levels of thier career for a quarter century. It is like a wise and trusted mentor, who is always ther for you...And certaintly, any college or university instructor who teaches neurobiology ought to read this book, for it provides a depth of knowledge and perspective that cannot be gained from a (bad) strategy of knowing the course textbook cold and staying a few chapters ahead of one's students.--ordon M. Shepherd, Contempory Psychology.

'This is the fourth edition of a reference textbook that has served generations of neuroscientists at all levels of their career for a quarter century. It is like a wise and trusted mentor, who is always there for you...And certaintly, any college or university instructor who teaches neurobiology ought to read this book, for it provides a depth of knowledge and perspective that cannot be gained from a (bad) strategy of knowing the course textbook cold and staying a few chapters ahead of one's students.--ordon M. Shepherd, Contempory Psychology.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0195062566
• ISBN 13: 9780195062564
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 576
• Editor: Shepherd Gordon M.