From neuron to brain: A cellular approach to the function of the nervous system

by Stephen W. Kuffler

Up-to-date third edition which presents a coherant description of the nervous system from the perspective of modern work on molecular biology, cellular and developmental biology, biophysics, neurophysiology, neurochemistry and neuroanatomy. The scope of the book has been broadened with entirely new chapters on the biophysics and molecular biology of membrane channels, indirect mechanisms of synaptic transmission, the cellular and molecular biology of synaptic transmission, nervous system development, sensory receptors and systems, and motor systems. To accommodate this new information other subjects have been abbreviated or ammalgamated. Permeating the book are new concepts derived from experiments at the molecular level. Techniques such as patch clamping, gene cloning and expression, the use of monoclonal antibodies, and site-directed mutagenesis not only deepen but often simplify the presentation of topics related to signaling, synapse transmission, plasticity and development.

Genres: Neuroscience, Science, Biology, Brain, Textbooks, Reference, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published August 12, 1976

Reviews

[Michael Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book primarily focuses on auditory physiology, synaptic transmission, vision physiology, & neural maturation, as well as provides a detailed and clear understanding of the basic fundamental background in cellular neurobiology. Starting with the basics structure of ion controls and their proteins, and moves on to higher levels of composition and function, this book lays a comprehensive road map for advanced neural sciences.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

the best parts were much better than the best parts of The Cell: A Molecular Approach, while the worst parts were worse than the worst of The Cell.

unfortunately i read the 3rd ed (1992) because i had it from a neuro class i took in college. the 4th ed (2001) would obviously have been much more up to date.

by far the most fascinating stuff was about the visual system. reading the hundreds of pages on ion channels was one of the most masochistic things i've ever done.



factoids:
if you inject barbituates into a (right-handed) person's left carotid artery, for a few minutes they can sing but can't speak. inject their right carotid, and they can speak but not sing.

"the dumber the animal, the smarter its retina"

the image of the moon projected onto your retina is about .12 mm in diameter

[vdm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great intro textbook. It manages to cover complex in sufficient detail to keep it relevant all the way up through thesis-level work, while the detail is sufficient that it won't overwhelm a newcomer. Great review of the basics of neurophysiology and circuitry!

[Amanda Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a chapter on modified sensory capabilities of ants. They can detect polarized light and use it for navigation. Other than that this is a standard Neurobiology text from neuron to higher order processing in the frontal cortex and short enough for a semester long course.

[dead letter office · Rating 4 out of 5]

a solid introduction to neurobiology and the electrophysiology that underlies the nervous system.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Textbook of neuro science. Something challenging and something I can brag about with. I always wanted to be a doctor. This is general textbook for students.

[Jeremy Bamford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kandel, Schwartz, and Jessel is old but much better than this. For a newer undergrad intro text look to the Purvez book.