Neurobiology (Paperback)

by Gordon M. Shepherd (Author) "In all of modern science, no field is developing more rapidly, attracting more interest, and promising more insight into ourselves as human beings than the..." (more)
Key Phrases: stretch receptor cell, clasp reflex, local circuit organization, Johns Hopkins, Rockefeller University, National Institutes of Health (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Very impressive; clear writing and a well-rounded overview of modern neurobiology."--Dr. Duane McPherson, SUNY Geneseo

"The author succeeded in performing what seemed to be an almost impossible mission: writing a comprehensive, updated and well-written textbook of neurobiology within reasonable spatial constraints....[An] especially attractive feature of this book is the delightful style of writing which makes reading a real pleasure....I strongly recommend this book as a textbook for undergraduate and medical students, or as a general reference book for neurobiology...it is far superior to other textbooks of its kind."--Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology

"An excellent text for use in introductory Neuroscience courses for graduate students. It is well written, with very good illustrations, and covers the broad area of neurobiology."--Greg Maguire, University of Texas Medical School

From reviews of previous editions: "It is easy to be enthusiastic about this superb volume. It should become the required text for all first-year medical students and all graduate students in the neurosciences." --Journal of the American Medical Association

"Although there has been an explosive increase in factual information about the nervous system in the past decade, an integrated conceptual approach to understanding its workings has been sorely lacking, especially in introductory textbooks. This handsome book is the most lucid and comprehensive available to fill this void." --New England Journal of Medicine

Product Description
This widely used and highly praised textbook has been extensively revised to reflect the most exciting research across the entire range of neuroscience. A new feature is an introductory discussion of the mechanisms of gene regulation, while the superfamily of molecules responsible for membrane signaling is given new emphasis as a unifying theme throughout molecular and cellular neurobiology. The roles of these molecules in impulse conduction and synaptic transmission are fully explained, and illustrated by computer models. For the first time in a neurobiology text, these mechanisms can be explored by using a state-of-the-art interactive computer program provided with an accompanying tutorial handbook. In the sections dealing with neural systems, the comparative approach continues to be used to illustrate general principles. Students learn about the progress being made toward a molecular basis for sensory perception and new methods for revealing the neural activity underlying sensory and motor functions are described. There is an emphasis on the plasticity of both sensory and the motor circuits in mediating functions that reflect the effects of activity or recovery from injury. Central systems continue to be featured as the culmination of neural evolution. These include the systems vital for all animals, such as sleeping, feeding and reproduction, as well as the systems for language, emotion and higher cognitive functions that reach their peak in humans. There is special emphasis on recent work on memory, contrasting the mechanisms for short-term working memory and long-term memory and summarizing the present understanding of the mechanisms of long-term potential. The twin themes of organizational levels and comparative systems help bring together the vast range of studies and provides a conceptual framework that unifies the field of neurobiology. As in previous editions, the text continues to draw on the advantages of having a single author. In addition, leaders in a number of specialties have assisted the author, so that the text represents the most up-to-date views of current research on the nervous system.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 784 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 3 edition (July 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195088433
• ISBN-13: 978-0195088434
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #544,881 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A self-contained introductory book in neurobiology., November 30, 1997

By A Customer

Clearly superior to most of its competitors, this book will serve as a basic introductory text for medical students, as well as advanced undergraduate and graduate students in the biomedical sciences.

Shepherd does a wonderful job in explaining core concepts in neuroscience, ranging from the cell, to brain systems, to behavior.

Many of the chapters, especially in molecular and cellular neurobiology, will clarify certain 'dark' concepts, essential not only for neuroscience, but for physiology, pharmacology and immunology as well.

This should be one of the standard texts for every student interested in the nervous system, and in integrative science in general.