Summary

The book "Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience at a Glance" provides a reader-friendly introduction to the anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology of the human nervous system in a fully illustrated edition. The topics unfold in double-page spreads, initially featuring a concise summary of the anatomical structure and function of the various components of the central nervous system, followed by a section dedicated to applied neurobiology, which describes the approach to patients with neurological and psychiatric problems and provides an overview of treatment and management options.

The key points in this fourth edition include: a) an easily manageable overview of the structure and function of the central nervous system, b) a comprehensive guide on how to approach patients with neurological issues and the investigations required in the most common cases, c) clinical cases highlighting the clinical relevance of key principles in neuroscience, and d) new chapters on the major neurotransmitters of the CNS and their functions, the enteric nervous system, and stroke.

This book is ideal for anyone starting courses in neuroanatomy or neuroscience or wishing to prepare for their specialization. Each chapter is developed and completed in just two pages, with the first page featuring diagrams that encode the necessary information and the second a concise text.

Covering a wide range of topics, the books in this series serve as ideal introductory manuals for every subject area, excellent aids for examinations, and handy reference books for daily clinical practice. The highly successful "At a Glance" book series has earned the trust of the international medical community and other healthcare professionals.

Contents

Introduction – Acknowledgements 7
Abbreviations 8
Preface to the Greek edition 11
Part 1: Anatomical and functional organization 13
1. Development of the nervous system 14
2. Organization of the nervous system 16
3. Autonomic nervous system 18
4. Enteric nervous system 20
5. Meninges and cerebrospinal fluid 22
6. Blood supply to the brain 24
7. Cranial nerves 26
8. Anatomy of the brainstem 28
9. Organization of the spinal cord 30
10. Organization of the cerebral cortex and thalamus 32
11. Hypothalamus 34
Part 2: Cells and neurophysiology 37
12. Cells of the nervous system I: neurons 38
13. Cells of the nervous system II: glial cells 40
14. Ionic channels 42
15. Resting membrane potential and action potential 44
16. Neuromuscular junction and synapses 46
17. Neural conductivity and synaptic integration 48
18. Neurotransmitters, receptors, and their signaling 50
19. Major neurotransmitters of the CNS and their function 52
20. Structure of skeletal muscle 54
21. Contraction of skeletal muscle 56
Part 3: Sensory systems 59
22. Sensory systems: overview 60
23. Sensory transduction 62
24. Visual system I: eye and retina 64
25. Visual system II: visual pathways and subcortical visual areas 66
26. Visual system III: visual cortical areas 68
27. Auditory system I: ear and cochlea 70
28. Auditory system II: auditory pathways and cortex 72
29. Vestibular system 74
30. Olfaction and taste 76
31. Somatosensory system 78
32. Pain systems I: nociceptors and pain pathways 80
33. Pain systems II: pharmacology and pain management 82
34. Associative cortex: posterior parietal and prefrontal cortex 84
Part 4: Motor systems 87
35. Organization of motor systems 88
36. Muscle spindle and lower motor neuron 90
37. Motor organization of the spinal cord and mobility 92
38. Motor cortical areas 94
39. Primary motor cortex 96
40. Cerebellum 98
41. Basal ganglia: anatomy and physiology 102
42. Basal ganglia: disorders and treatment 104
Part 5: Consciousness and higher brain function 107
43. Reticular formation and sleep 108
44. Consciousness and theory of mind 110
45. Limbic system and long-term potentiation 112
46. Memory 114
47. Emotion, motivation, and substance addiction 116
48. Neural plasticity and neurotrophic factors I: peripheral nervous system 118
49. Neural plasticity and neurotrophic factors II: central nervous system 120
Part 6: Applied Neurobiology: principles of Neurology and Psychiatry 123
50. Approach to patients with neurological problems 124
51. Examination of the nervous system 126
52. Investigation of the nervous system 128
53. Imaging of the central nervous system 130
54. Clinical disorders of the sensory systems 132
55. Clinical disorders of the motor system 134
56. Eye movements 136
57. Neurochemical disorders I: affective disorders 138
58. Neurochemical disorders II: schizophrenia 140
59. Neurochemical disorders III: anxiety 142
60. Neurodegenerative disorders 144
61. Neurophysiological disorders: epilepsy 146
62. Neuroimmunological disorders 148
63. Neurogenetic disorders 150
64. Vascular brain disease 152
65. Neuro-radiological anatomical study 154
Part 7: Case studies – Self-assessment 157
Case studies and questions 157
Answers 162
Index 167