PRINCIPLES OF NEURAL SCIENCES

Fifth Edition, 2013.

From the publisher’s note.

Now updated: the definitive neuroscience resource from Eric R. Kandel, MD (winner of the Nobel Prize in 2000); James H. Schwartz, MD, PhD; Thomas M. Jessell, PhD; Steven A. Siegelbaum, PhD; and A. J. Hudspeth, PhD.

McGraw Hill Medical - 900 full-color illustrations – Art Editor Sarah Mack.

Deciphering the link between the human brain and behavior has always been one of the most intriguing and often challenging aspects of scientific endeavor. The sequencing of the human genome, and advances in molecular biology, have illuminated the pathogenesis of many neurological diseases and have propelled our knowledge of how the brain controls behavior.

To grasp the wider implications of these developments and gain a fundamental understanding of this dynamic, fast-moving field, Principles of Neuroscience stands alone as the most authoritative and indispensible resource of its kind.

In this classic text, prominent researchers in the field expertly survey the entire spectrum of neural science, giving an up-to-date, unparalleled view of the discipline for anyone who studies brain and mind. Here, in one remarkable volume, is the current state of neural science knowledge ranging from molecules and cells, to anatomic structures and systems, to the senses and cognitive functions all supported by more than 900 precise, full-color illustrations. In addition to clarifying complex topics, the book also benefits from a cohesive organization, beginning with an insightful overview of the interrelationships between the brain, nervous system, genes, and behavior. Principles of Neural Science then proceeds with an in-depth examination of the molecular and cellular biology of nerve cells, synaptic transmission, and the neural basis of cognition. The remaining sections illuminate how cells, molecules, and systems give us sight, hearing, touch, movement, thought, learning, memories, and emotions.

The new fifth edition of Principles of Neural Science is thoroughly updated to reflect the tremendous amount of research, and the very latest clinical perspectives, that have significantly transformed the field within the last decade.

Ultimately, Principles of Neural Science affirms that all behavior is an expression of neural activity, and that the future of clinical neurology and psychiatry hinges on the progress of neural science. Far exceeding the scope and scholarship of similar texts, this unmatched guide offers a commanding, scientifically rigorous perspective on the molecular mechanisms of neural function and disease one that you'll continually rely on to advance your comprehension of brain, mind, and behavior.

FEATURES

• The cornerstone reference in the field of neuroscience that explains how the nerves, brain, and mind function
• Clear emphasis on how behavior can be examined through the electrical activity of both individual neurons and systems of nerve cells
• Current focus on molecular biology as a tool for probing the pathogenesis of many neurological diseases, including muscular dystrophy, Huntington disease, and certain forms of Alzheimer's disease
• More than 900 engaging full-color illustrations including line drawings, radiographs, micrographs, and medical photographs clarify often-complex neuroscience concepts
• Outstanding section on the development and emergence of behavior, including important coverage of brain damage repair, the sexual differentiation of the nervous system, and the aging brain
• NEW! More detailed discussions of cognitive and behavioral functions, and an expanded review of cognitive processes
• NEW! A focus on the increasing importance of computational neural science, which enhances our ability to record the brain's electrical activity and study cognitive processes more directly
• NEW! Chapter-opening Key Concepts provide a convenient, study-enhancing introduction to the material covered in each chapter
• Selected Readings and full reference citations at the close of each chapter facilitate further study and research
• Helpful appendices highlight basic circuit theory; the neurological examination of the patient; circulation of the brain; the blood-brain barrier, choroid plexus, and cerebrospinal fluid; neural networks; and theoretical approaches to neuroscience.

From Preface.

“The ultimate goal of neural science is to understand how the flow of electrical signals through neural circuits gives rise to mind – to how we perceive, act, think, learn and remember. Although we are still many decades away from achieving this level of understanding, neuroscientists have made significant progress in gaining insight into the neural mechanisms underlying behavior, the observable output of the nervous system of humans and other organisms. We are also beginning to understand the disorders of behavior associated with neurological and psychiatric disease. As in the earlier editions of this book, we emphasize in this edition that behavior can be examined in terms of the electrical activity of both individual neurons and systems of nerve cells by seeking answers to five basic questions. How does the brain develop? How do nerve cells in the brain communicate with one another? How do different patterns of interconnections give rise to different perceptions and motor acts? How is the communication between neurons modified by experience? How is communication altered by disease?”

“Throughout this book we document the central principle that all behavior is an expression of neural activity and illustrate the insights into behavior that neural science provides. With this fifth edition we again hope to encourage the next generation of undergraduate, graduate, and medical students to approach the study of behavior in a way that unites its biological and social dimensions”.

For Italian speakers we recommend on BM&L-Italy website pages “La nuova edizione dei Principles of Neural Science di Kandel, Schwartz, Jessell, Siegelbaum, Hudspeth”, weekly published from October 27, 2012 to November 24, 2012.