The Central Nervous System

Introduction
A Bird's Eye View of the Nervous System
Studying the Structures and Function of the Nervous System
Animal Experiments Crucial for Progress
Ethics and Animal Experiments
Sources of Error in All Methods
Revising Scientific Truths from Time to Time
Part I: Main Features of Structure and Function
1. Structure of the Neuron and Organization of Nervous Tissue
An Overview
Neurons and Their Processes
Coupling of Neurons: Pathways for Signals
The Cytoskeleton and Axonal Transport
2. Glia
An Overview
Kinds of Glial Cell
Glial Cells and Homeostasis
Insulation and Protection of Axons
Microglia and Reactions of the CNS to Injury
3. Neuronal Excitability
An Overview
Basis of Excitability
The Action Potential
Impulse Propagation
How Nerve Cells Can Vary Their Messages
4. Synaptic Function
An Overview
Neurotransmitter Handling at the Synapse
Synaptic Potentials and Kinds of Synapse
Synaptic Plasticity
5. Neurotransmitters and Their Receptors
An Overview
General Aspects
Specific Neurotransmitters
Actions of Drugs in the Nervous System
6. Parts of the Nervous System
An Overview
The Spinal Cord
The Brain Stem
The Cerebrum
The Cerebellum
7. The Coverings of the Brain and the Ventricular System
An Overview
The Meninges
The Cerebral Ventricles in the Cerebrospinal Fluid
8. The Blood Supply of the Central Nervous System
An Overview
Cerebral Microregulation
Arterial System
Venous System
Part II: Development, Aging, and Plasticity
9. Prenatal and Postnatal Development
An Overview
Prenatal Development
Mechanisms for Establishment of Specific Connections
The Role Played by the Environment in Development of the Nervous System
10. The Nervous System and Aging
An Overview
Age-related Changes in the Normal Brain and Their Consequences
Neurodegenerative Diseases and Dementia
11. Restitution of Function after Brain Damage
An Overview
Brain Injuries and Possible Reparative Processes
Brain Processes Underlying Recovery of Function
Restitution after Damage in Early Childhood
Part III: Sensory Systems
12. Sensory Receptors in General
An Overview
Sensory Units and Their Receptive Fields
Transduction: The Translation of Stimuli to Action Potentials
Properties and Classification of Receptors
Receptors and Subjective Sensory Experience
13. Peripheral Parts of the Somatosensory System
An Overview
Exteroceptors: Cutaneous Sensation
Proprioceptors: Deep Sensation
The Sensory Fibers and the Dorsal Roots
14. Central Parts of the Somatosensory System
An Overview
Central Somatosensory Pathways
The Somatosensory Cortical Regions
15. Pain
An Overview
Some Distinctive Features of Pain
When the Pain System gets Out of Control
Central Control of Transmission from Nociceptors and Pain Sensation
Placebo and Nocebo
Modern Views on Pain and Pain Treatment
16. The Visual System
An Overview
The Eyeball and the Refracting Media
The Retina
Organization of the Visual Pathways
The Visual Cortex and the Final Processing of Visual Information
17. The Auditory System
An Overview
The Cochlea
The Auditory Pathways
The Auditory Cortex
18. The Sense of Equilibrium
An Overview
Structure and Function of the Vestibular Apparatus
Connections of the Vestibular Nuclei
Vestibular Reflexes: Control of Eye Movements and Bodily Posture
Cortical Processing of Vestibular Signals
19. Olfaction and Taste
An Overview
The Olfactory System
Gustatory System (The Sense of Taste)
Part IV: Motor Systems
20. Motor Systems and Movements in General
An Overview
Motor and Other Systems are Mutually Dependent
Classification of Movements
21. The Peripheral Motor Neurons and Reflexes
An Overview
Motoneurons and Muscles
Muscle Tone
Injury of Peripheral Motor Neurons and Regeneration
22. The Motor Cortical Areas and Descending Pathways
An Overview
The Pyramidal Tract (The Corticospinal Tract)
Indirect Corticospinal Pathways
Control of Automatic Movements
Motor Cortical Areas and Control of Voluntary Movements
Symptoms Caused by Interruption of Central Motor Pathways (Upper Motor Neurons)
23. The Basal Ganglia
An Overview
Structure and Connections of the Basal Ganglia
The Ventral Striatum
Functions of the Basal Ganglia
Diseases of the Basal Ganglia
24. The Cerebellum
An Overview
Subdivisions and Afferent Connections of the Cerebellum
The Cerebellar Cortex and the Mossy and Climbing Fibers
Efferent Connections of the Cerebellum
Cerebellar Functions and Symptoms of the Disease
25. Control of Eye Movements
An Overview
Movements of the Eyes and the Eye Muscles
Brain Stem and Cerebellar Control of Eye Movements
Cortical Control of Eye Movements
Part V: The Brain Stem and the Cranial Nerves
26. The Reticular Formation: Premotor Networks, Consciousness, and Sleep
An Overview
Structure and Connections of the Reticular Formation
Function of the Reticular Formation
Consciousness
Sleep
27. The Cranial Nerves
An Overview
General Organization of the Cranial Nerves
The Hypoglossal Nerve
The Accessory Nerve
The Vagus Nerve
The Glossopharyngeal Nerve
The Vestibulocochlear Nerve
The Facial and Intermediate Nerves
The Trigeminal Nerve
The Abducens, Trochlear and Oculomotor Nerves
Part VI: The Autonomic Nervous System
28. Visceral Efferent Neurons: The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Divisions
An Overview
General Organization
Peripheral Parts of the Sympathetic System
Peripheral Parts of the Parasympathetic System
The Enteric Nervous System
Functional Aspects of the Autonomic Nervous System
Neurotransmitters in the Autonomic Nervous System
29. Sensory Visceral Neurons and Visceral Reflexes
An Overview
Visceral Receptors and Afferent Pathways
Visceral Reflexes
Visceral Pain
30. The Central Autonomic System: The Hypothalamus
An Overview
Centers in the Brain Stem for Coordination of Behavior
Structure and Connections of the Hypothalamus
The Hypothalamus and the Endocrine System
Functional Aspects
The Hypothalamus and the Immune System
The Hypothalamus and Mental Functions
Part VII: Limbic Structures
31. The Amygdala, the Basal Forebrain, and Emotions
An Overview
What is the "Limbic System?"
The Amygdala
Some Aspects of Cortical Control of Autonomic Functions and Emotions
Neuronal Groups in the Basal Parts of the Hemispheres: The Basal Forebrain
32. The Hippocampal Formation: Learning and Memory
An Overview
The Hippocampal Formation
Functional Aspects
Part VIII: The Cerebral Cortex
33. The Cerebral Cortex: Intrinsic Organization and Connections
An Overview
Structure of the Cerebral Cortex
Connections of the Cerebral Cortex
34. Functions of the Neocortex
An Overview
Association Areas
Language Functions and "Speech Areas" of the Cerebral Cortex
The Division of Tasks between the Hemispheres
Sex Differences and the Cerebral Cortex
Index

Per Brodal is professor of Anatomy and former Dean of Education at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Oslo. Dr. Brodal has been working on experimental neuroanatomy for 30 years, and has broad experience in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. During recent years Dr. Brodal has headed planning and implementation of curricular reforms at the University of Oslo.

Special Features

• Difficult topics are made understandable and interesting.
• Text is cohesive.
• While more concise than most competitors, the evidence behind statements are often briefly discussed.
• The many illustrations are carefully designed to convey salient points, rather than showing numerous details.
• The anatomical material is carefully selected from a functional and clinical viewpoint.