This book represents the most complete and authoritative description on the fine structure of the nervous system available in a single volume. Beginning with background material on the neuron, the book then examines specific portions of the nerve cell, and of the various supporting cells. Structure is first described in a general fashion, followed by detailed coverage of the fine structure of each component, with full discussion of how the structural features relate to their functions. Extensively revised and rewritten, this book will bring readers up to date with the many important developments that have taken place since publication of the previous edition. It includes over 130 electron micrographs and line drawings, many of which are new to this edition.

During the second half of the 20th century, the introduction of a variety of new techniques greatly expanded our knowledge of the structure of nerve and neuroglial cells, and of the organization of the nervous system at the cellular level. This new information has, however, generally been scattered throughout the literature, making it difficult for investigators to gain an overall vision of the discipline. The author has marshalled these scattered data to provide a systematic overview of the field placed within a historical context. He has correlated the major new findings with the classical notions of light microscopy and has integrated them with elements of biochemistry and cell physiology. After the publication of the first edition, the introduction of new microscopies and especially the growth of molecular biology have greatly expanded our knowledge, in particular on the intercellular communication in the nervous system and on the roles of neuroglial cells. These achievements have made a second edition of the book necessary. The fully revised and updated text, together with unique high-quality illustrations of structures of the central and peripheral nervous system, ensure that this new edition will be invaluable for neuroscientists, particularly those involved in cellular neuropathology, neurochemistry, neurophysiology, and molecular neurobiology.

In the vast field of neuroscience, the introduction over the last 30 years of new investigative techniques (such as transmission and scanning electron microscopy, freeze-fracturing technique, cell organelle isolation by differential centrifugation, autoradiography, tracing techniques and immunocytochemistry) has greatly expanded our knowledge of neurocytology. This new information, however, is generally dispersed in the specialist journals or collected in reviews on specific topics. As a result, those whose interests lie in neurocytology have difficulty not only in finding data relative to their particular research, but also and above all, in gaining an overall and systematic vision of their discipline. It was this situation which prompted Ennio Pannese to systematize the major acquisitions on the minute structure of nerve and neuroglial cells and their interrelationships, correlate them with the classical concepts of light microscopy and integrate them, where possible, with elements of biochemistry and cell physiology.

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."