Nerve Cells and Nervous Systems: An Introduction to Neuroscience

The second edition of Nerve Cells and Nervous Systems is an introduction to the general principles of the organization and function of the nervous system for anyone starting the study of neuroscience at either the undergraduate or graduate level. The main aim of this book is to present the general principles of neuroscience in the context of experimental evidence. The systems approach is avoided. Instead the text takes the reader from a description of the single neuron level, via the interactions between two neurons and small groups of neurons, to a consideration of the particular functional attributes of nervous systems. Neuroscience is an experimental science, and the importance of the interpretation of experimental observations is stressed throughout. Readers will find that references to papers both recent and classical are not only an excellent introduction to the literature but an encouragement to investigate it further. The book is suitable for students of neuroscience, physiology, zoology, psychology and anatomy, as well as for those studying medicine and veterinary medicine. The book is suitable for anyone studying the nervous system at both undergraduate and immediate postgraduate levels. In particular, undergraduates reading Neuroscience or any course containing a neuroscience component, such as Physiology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, as well as Medicine and Veterinary Medicine should find the book helpful. Alan G Brown, Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.