Medical Neurobiology

This single-author text introduces the student to the fundamentals of the nervous system as it relates to the practice of medicine and human health. The workings of the nervous system are communicated in easy to understand language. The text emphasizes the contribution of the nervous system to diverse and common medical disorders, some of which are primarily neurological in nature (stroke, Parkinson's disease, hearing loss) and many of which are the domain of non-neurological specialities such as ophthalmology, ear-nose-throat, cardiology, medicine and the like (myopia, hearing loss, hypertension, sleep apnea, and asthma). The writing style is simple, clear and literary. Chapters can be read in a single sitting. Important concepts are presented both clearly and thoroughly, rendering this textbook appropriate for both the student who is learning about the nervous system for the first time and the student with previous knowledge of neurobiology. Medical Neurobiology is wholly concentrated on the human nervous system. Subjects without clinical relevance such as invertebrate neurobiology, cat or leech locomotion, or sound localization are not covered. On the other hand, subjects with significant clinical relevance such as walking, making facial expressions, cranial nerve functions, breathing, hearing and seeing are covered in depth. In essence, rather than teach either basic neurobiology or neurology, this book aims to communicate the relevance of the nervous system to the practice of every medical specialty from cardiology to dermatology, neonatology, pediatrics, geriatrics, pulmonology, ophthalmology, and so on. Thus, Medical Neurobiology teaches, explains and clarifies neurobiological concepts that will impact every health professional. Given that neurobiology and neuroanatomy can be daunting subjects for many medical students and primary care physicians, this book provides a concise and enjoyable introduction to neuroscience, and covers the necessary topics. Doody's NotesSECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ; 1. Introduction to the nervous system ; 2. Cells of the nervous system: neurons and glia ; 3. Developmental overview of neuroanatomy: the tube within the brain ; SECTION 2: NEURAL COMMUNICATION ; 4. The neuron at rest ; 5. Electrical communication within a neuron ; 6. Neurotransmitter release ; 7. Synthesis, packaging and termination of neurotransmitters ; 8. Receiving the synaptic message ; SECTION 3: NEUROANATOMY ; 9. Spinal cord: conduit between body and brain ; 10. Cranial nerves: Brain sentries ; 11. Brainstem organization ; 12. Inside the brainstem: Cranial nerve nuclei and long-distance connections ; 13. Forebrain: Action, perception, emotion, thought ; 14. Following the nutrients: blood supply, blood-brain barrier, and ventricles ; SECTION 4: PERCEPTION ; 15. Perceiving the world ; 16. Seeing the world ; 17. Audition: communication portal ; 18. Somatosensation: Focus on pain ; 19. The vestibular sense: balance and equilibrium ; SECTION 5: MOTOR CONTROL ; 20. Motor control: From muscle contraction to action ; 21. The motor unit and orderly recruitment ; 22. Reflexes and gait ; 23. From movement to action: postural stability, orienting and praxis ; 24. Cerebellum ; 25. Basal ganglia: action selection ; 26. Gaze control ; SECTION 6: HOMEOSTASIS ; 27. Homeostatic systems: Staying alive ; SECTION 7: YOU AND THE BRAIN ; 28. The brain in a physician's life ; INDEX