Dendrites

Dendrites form the major receiving part of neurons. It is within these highly complex, branching structures that the real work of the nervous system takes place. The dendrites of neurons receive thousands of synaptic inputs from other neurons. However, dendrites do more than simply collect and funnel these signals to the soma and axon; they shape and integrate the inputs in complex ways. Despite being discovered over a century ago, dendrites received little research attention until the early 1950s. Over the past few years there has been a dramatic explosion of interest in the function of these beautiful structures. Recent new research has developed out understanding of the properties of dendrites, and their role in neuronal function.

The first edition of Dendrites was a landmark in the literature, stimulating and guiding further research. The new edition substantially updates the earlier volume, and includes 5 new chapters and color illustrations. It gathers new information on dendrites into a single volume, with contributions written by leading researchers in the field. It presents a survey of the current state of our knowledge of dendrites, from their morphology and development through to their electrical, chemical, and computational properties. As such it will not only be of interest to researchers and graduate-level students in neuroscience, but will also be useful to researchers in computer science and IT, psychology, physiology, and biophysics.

Greg Stuart was born in Melbourne, Australia. Studied at the Monash University (Melbourne, Australia) and at the Australian National University (Canberra, Australia). Postdoctoral work at the Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg, Germany. Faculty position at Australian National University since 1950s. Over the past few years there has been a dramatic explosion of interest in the function of these beautiful structures. Recent new research has developed our understanding of the properties of dendrites, and their role in neuronal function. Born in Vancouver, Canada. Studied at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada) and the Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, Texas, USA). Postdoctoral work at the Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research (Heidelberg, Germany). Faculty position at Northwestern University since 1995. Michael Häusser was born in Canada to German parents. Studies at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada) and at Oxford University. Postdoctoral work at the Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg, Germany and at the Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, France. Faculty position at University College London since 1997, supported by the Wellcome Trust.