✍ Scribed by Ammar al-Chalabi, Shane R. Delamont, Martin Turner
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
It has been remarked that if the brain were so simple we could understand it, we would be so simple we couldn't. From a brief history of neuroscience to the most up-to-date research on the brain processes behind a wide array of human activity, this accessible guide assumes no previous scientific knowledge, and offers a tantalizing glimpse into the functioning of man's most complex organ.
Preface......Page 9
Acknowledgements......Page 10
List of plates......Page 11
Section 1: Introducing the brain......Page 12
Introduction: In the beginning . . .......Page 14
1 The history of the human brain – so it does do something after all......Page 17
2 The evolution of the brain – how the brain came to be......Page 26
3 Nerves – the body electric......Page 38
Section 2: Making a brain and mind from one cell......Page 52
4 The development of the brain – growing a nervous system......Page 54
5 The anatomy of the brain – understanding the grand plan......Page 65
6 The supporting structures of the brain – what a brain needs to survive......Page 89
7 The development of behaviour and reasoning – learning to be human......Page 98
Section 3: Having and using a brain as an adult......Page 116
8 Consciousness – the ultimate mystery......Page 118
9 Memory – putting the past into perspective......Page 135
10 Sleep – bedtime for the brain......Page 146
11 The motor system – making movement and motion......Page 158
12 The sensory system – feel the world......Page 167
13 The visuospatial system – making light work......Page 177
14 Language, hearing and music –making sense of sound......Page 188
15 Emotions and the limbic system – the heart and the head......Page 203
16 Investigating the brain – discovering the diagnosis......Page 212
17 Living for ever – the fountain of youth......Page 225
18 The end?......Page 233
Appendix: Eric Chudler’s brain facts and figures......Page 234
Glossary......Page 250
Further reading......Page 261
Index......Page 262
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