Brain, Vol. 123, No. 10, 2180,
October 2000
© 2000 Oxford University Press
Book reviews |
COLOR ATLAS OF NEUROSCIENCE, NEUROANATOMY AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGY.
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Department of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
Neuroscience is not only the most rapidly expanding biological discipline, it is also the one that is most likely to cause students most difficulties. Both medical and science undergraduates regularly complain of the complex nomenclature together with the intricacies of the neural elements and connections. Frequently, fundamental concepts of neural function appear to be overwhelmed by the structural detail. In their recently published book Color Atlas of Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology, Ben and Adam Greenstein have been successful in clarifying the complexities of many neural mechanisms. The attraction of this pocket-sized book is the excellent use of colour to illustrate both neural pathways and mechanisms. In general the full use of colour in all illustrations is extremely successful, particularly when distinguishing between complex pathways in, for example, the limbic system. On occasion, however, illustrations are over ambitious and details of synaptic connections are limitingly indistinct.
An obvious challenge for any `summary' type book such as this is to identify and focus on what is true core material and also to ensure that current views relating to important growth areas are incorporated wherever possible. In general this book has achieved these aims well. For example, the complex structure and functions of the limbic system and hypothalamus are very well presented. The section on special senses, especially auditory and visual function and perception, is elegantly presented. Again, the excellent diagrams together with the supporting text provide a lucid review. A brief section on gene therapy and neural repair provides the reader with limited information about advances in this area.
Students often find motor system difficult to understand, particularly when the need to integrate various elements is required. The section relating to this topic is very well organized and again the carefully structured colour diagrams facilitate an understanding of motor control.
There are, however, a number of disappointing sections. Our understanding of nociception and pain mechanisms has increased significantly in recent years. Mechanisms underlying transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) and stimulation-produced analgesia are now fairly well understood and represent important principles. Unfortunately, there are disappointingly few references to this area. Similarly, the response of dorsal horn neurones to peripheral nerve damage or tissue injury and the associated release of peptides and glutamate should also have been considered.
Although the book appears to be intended for the undergraduate science student, contemporary views of the training of medical students emphasize the contextual nature of the curriculum. Basic scientific mechanisms are increasingly being presented in relation to the pathological state. The Color atlas of neuroscience does not generally highlight this link, and this is particularly disappointing when considering, for example, pain mechanisms, where reference to transduction at the nociceptor and mechanisms of hyperalgesia and allodynia can facilitate an understanding of the subject.
Notes
By Ben Greenstein and Adam Greenstein. 2000. Stuttgart: George Thieme Verlag. Price $29.90/DM 54. Pp. 448. ISBN 0-86577-710-1 (the Americas)/3-13-108171-6 (rest of world).
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