Neuroscience
Exploring the Brain
By: Mark F. Bear, Barry W. Connors, Michael A. Paradiso
"Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain surveys the organization and function of the human nervous system. We present material at the cutting edge of neuroscience in a way that is accessible to both science and nonscience students alike. The level of the material is comparable to an introductory college text in general biology. The book is divided into four parts: Part I, Foundations; Part II, Sensory and Motor Systems; Part III, The Brain and Behavior; and Part IV, The Changing Brain. We begin Part I by introducing the modern field of neuroscience and tracing some of its historical antecedents. Then we take a close look at the structure and function of individual neurons, how they communicate chemically, and how these building blocks are arranged to form a nervous system. In Part II, we go inside the brain to examine the structure and function of the systems that serve the senses and command voluntary movements. In Part III, we explore the neurobiology of human behavior, including motivation, sex, emotion, sleep, language, attention, and mental illness. Finally, in Part IV, we look at how the environment modifies the brain, both during development and in adult learning and memory"--Provided by publisher.
AI Overview
"Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain" by Mark F. Bear, Barry W. Connors, and Michael A. Paradiso is a leading undergraduate textbook in the field of neuroscience. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Biological Basis of Behavior: The book emphasizes the biological basis of behavior, providing a contemporary approach to the study of neuroscience.
- Structure and Function of Neurons: It introduces the modern field of neuroscience, tracing its historical antecedents, and delves into the structure and function of individual neurons, including how they communicate chemically.
- Nervous System Organization: The text explores how these building blocks are arranged to form a nervous system, examining the structure and function of the systems that serve the senses and command voluntary movements.
- Neurobiology of Human Behavior: It covers various aspects of human behavior, including motivation, sex, emotion, sleep, language, attention, and mental illness.
- Environmental Influence on the Brain: The book discusses how the environment modifies the brain, both during development and in adult learning and memory.
Plot Summary
The book is divided into four parts:
- Introduction to Neuroscience: This part introduces the modern field of neuroscience and its historical background.
- Neural Systems: It delves into the structure and function of individual neurons and how they form a nervous system.
- Sensory and Motor Systems: This section examines the systems that serve the senses and command voluntary movements.
- Behavioral Neurobiology: It explores the neurobiology of human behavior, including various psychological and neurological aspects.
- Environmental Influence: The final part discusses how the environment modifies the brain, focusing on both developmental and adult learning processes.
Critical Reception
The book has received widespread acclaim for its student-friendly style and exceptional artwork and pedagogy. The authors' passion for neuroscience is evident throughout the text, making it engaging for students. The book has been praised for its clear and friendly style, excellent illustrations, and compelling theme of exploration. The authors have stayed on top of the latest neuroscience advances, integrating and explaining them to students in a way that is both comprehensive and accessible.
Additional Insights
- Author Contributions: The authors have written five editions of the book, each reflecting the latest advances in neuroscience. They have incorporated significant developments such as the sequencing of the human genome, the invention of functional magnetic resonance imaging, and the rise of neurotechnology.
- Student Engagement: The book has been successful in engaging students, with undergrads often asking the authors to autograph their books and other items. The authors have even been treated as stars, with some students going to great lengths to meet them, such as Brazilian undergrads rushing Bear after an award ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.
Overall, "Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain" is a highly regarded textbook that provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the field of neuroscience, making it an essential resource for undergraduate students.