Prentice Hall

Allied Health



The Brain Explained
Daniel Drubach, M.D., University of Maryland School of Medicine

ISBN-10: 0137961944
ISBN-13: 9780137961948

Publisher: Prentice Hall
Copyright: 2000
Format: Paper; 168 pp
Published: 09/10/1999

Suggested retail price: $44.60
Buy from myPearsonStore



For Introductory Neuroscience courses at the undergraduate level; ideal as a supplementary text on neuroscience for students in such allied health fields as nursing, social work, psychology, and the rehabilitation disciplines, including physical, occupational, recreational and speech and language therapies.

Geared toward the non-medical reader, this fascinating, informative and witty book on neuroscience gives students the “big picture” behind the functions of the brain by integrating data from the realms of basic sciences, psychology, psychiatry, and neurology. Captivating in its presentation, it interjects discussions of complex concepts with humor, anecdotes, philosophical discussions and clinical case studies, and covers a significant amount of updated subject matter plus material rarely found in standard neuroanatomy and neurophysiology texts—such as brain plasticity, dreaming, consciousness, and aggression.

  • Provides a “holistic” approach to the study of the brain, interpreting knowledge from the fields of neurology, psychiatry, psychology, and basic sciences.

    • Shows students an integrated, “big picture” of the functions of the brain. Ex.___

  • Goes beyond discussions on the morphology and physiology of the brain by presenting the central nervous system as what it is: not only a group of neurons and lobes, but an extremely complex, integrated system responsible for an extraordinarily wide scope of functions.

    • Provides students with a complete understanding of the brain's purposes and operation. Ex.___

  • Offers an entertaining, conversational and easy-to-read narrative style, using analogies, metaphors, and humor.

    • Makes it easier for students to grasp difficult concepts, and helps to captivate and hold their attention. Ex.___

  • Includes discussions on topics seldom discussed in traditional textbooks, such as drug abuse, nutrition, and sleep and dreaming.

    • Broadens students' understanding of basic brain function. Ex.___



Introduction.


1. Overview of Functions of Your Product.

Receive Information. Act on the External Universe. Utilize Language. Possess Emotions. Cognition. Control the Body's Endocrine System. Control of Autonomic Functions. Control of Immunity. Do All of the Above Simultaneously.



2. Structure of the Brain.

The Little Picture; Brain Cells. Neurons. Glial Cells of the Brain. The Big Picture: Structure of the Brain. Brain Connectivity. The Brain as a Metaphysical Transducer.



3. Functional Organization of the Brain.

Input to the Brain. The Final Cortical Representation. Output of the Brain: Human Movement.



4. Brain Plasticity, Intelligence, and Learning.

Brain Plasticity. Intelligence. Learning and Memory.



5. Language.

Anatomy of Words. Words and Meaning. Communication Tools. The Purpose of Language. Language Development. The Window for Acquisition of Language. Word Storage in the Brain. Localization of Language in the Brain. Signs of Malfunction: Aphasia Syndromes.



6. Perception, Attention, Imagination, and Consciousness.

Perception. Brain Mechanisms for Perception. The Individuality of Perception. Imagination. The Frontal Lobe and Active Awareness. Brain Mechanisms Responsible for Consciousness. Signs of Malfunction: Disorders of Attention and Consciousness.



7. Sleep and Dreaming.

What Is Sleep. Stages of Sleep. Dreaming.



8. Nutrition and the Brain.

The Blood/Brain Barrier. Nutrients Needed by the Brain. Neurotransmitters.



9. Drug Abuse and the Brain.

Drugs and Neurons. Tolerance. Withdrawal. Long Term Effects of Drugs on Neurons.



10. Aggression and the Brain.

Definition of Aggression. Classification of Aggression. The Brain and Aggression. Abnormal Aggression. Why are Some Individuals more Aggressive than Others?



11. Interaction Between Body and Brain.

The Autonomic Nervous System. The Neuroendocrinologic System. Brain Control. The Brain and Immunity.



12. Disorders That Can Affect Your Brain.

Vascular Lesions. Infectious Disorders. Autoimmune Disorders. Demyelinating Disorders. Neoplasms. Degenerative Disorders. Toxins. Trauma. Nutritional Disorders.

Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students, contact your Pearson Higher Education representative for pricing and ordering information.

Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students, browse our available packages below, or contact your Pearson Higher Education representative to create your own package.



Copyright ©2008 Pearson Education. All rights reserved. Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Permissions