The Central Nervous System: Structure and Function, 3/e 2003

The Central Nervous System: Structure and Function, 3/e 2003

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Number Of Pages: 532
Publication Date: 2003-10-11
Sales Rank: 427783
ISBN / ASIN: 0195165608
EAN: 9780195165609
Binding: Hardcover
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
Studio: Oxford University Press, USA
Average Rating: 3.5

A major goal of this well-established textbook is to provide knowledge and understanding of neuroscience as a basis for clinical thinking. The strong emphasis on linking basic sciences with their clinical application has implications for the choices of which topics to treat in depth and which to treat more summarily - making this different from most other neuroscience textbooks. For example, topics of great practical importance like the cranial nerves, the autonomic nervous system, and pain are treated in depth. The book provides clear descriptions of brain structures and relates them to their functional properties by incorporating data ranging from molecular biology to clinical neurology and psychiatry. The focus is on fostering understanding of how the brain works rather than on the memorization of many details. Critical thinking is encouraged by providing information about the scientific basis for many "facts," and pointing out where the evidence is insufficient to reach final conclusions. The many two-color illustrations - based on the author's long experience in teaching medical students - make it easy to grasp complex structural and functional relationships. The third edition goes further than the previous ones in integrating material from all fields of the neurosciences. Two new chapters have been included on the vestibular system and control of eye movements, and all other chapters have been thoroughly revised. Although new material has been added, the total length of the text is virtually unchanged due to careful re-writing and elimination of less important material. There are many completely new figures and numerous others have been redrawn to enhance clarity.

Review:

Poor diagrams, sloppy text

This was the recommended textbook for my Neuroanatomy class, so I bought it. Turns out, it didn't help very much. Now, in general I am more of a notes person than a textbook person, but with this book I used it more seldomly than usual. For some reason, the text doesn't speak to me as well as other books, and the figures aren't as well-drawn as other books. I ended up buying Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain by Mark F. Bear. It has better writing, and clearer diagrams.

Review:

The Central Nervous System - Structure and Function, Third E

The third edition of Per Brodal's book is beautifully produced and continues the traditions of excellence set up by the four editions of the same name published by his father Alf Brodal between 1949 and 1982. The book is clearly and concisely written and manages not to lose the reader in anatomical detail, while explaining physiological mechanisms. The diagrams are well thought out and text boxes are used to highlight physiological, pharmacological or anatomical details, when required, without perturbing the flow of the main text.

The book is aimed at medical students and successfully links basic and clinical science together. It includes new chapters on the control of eye movements and the vestibular system (entitled the sense of equilibrium) and all the remaining chapters have been thoroughly revised and updated to include data from molecular biology to clinical psychology. This makes the book refreshingly easy to read and I would recommend it as an informative text for medical students with interests in the CNS.

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