The Brain: A Beginner's GuideIt has been remarked that if the brain were so simple we could understand it, we would be so simple we couldn't. However, as the authors of this accessible guide demonstrate, there are at least some things we do understand about the brain, things which may lead us to think quite differently about the way we view ourselves and workings of our minds. Starting off with a brief tour of the history of neuroscience, from Aristotle's view that the function of the brain was to cool the heart to the ancient practice of drilling a hole in the skull to relieve headaches, the book covers all of the key areas - including the anatomy and development of the brain, the workings of the sensory and nervous systems, the function of sleep and the capacity for language - in a clear and comprehensible manner. The authors also consider the roots - and possible treatments - of some of the most common psychological disorders, and examine the way in which science may help us to find answers to philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness and the identity of the self. to be able to extend life well beyond the standard three score years and ten, this lively and entertaining introduction assumes no previous scientific knowledge and will be suitable for readers of all backgrounds. |
Contents
one the history of the human brain so | 5 |
two the evolution of the brain how | 11 |
three nerves the body electric | 21 |
Copyright | |
16 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
The Brain: A Beginner's Guide Ammar al-Chalabi,Martin R. Turner,R. Shane Delamont Limited preview - 2008 |
The Brain: A Beginner's Guide Ammar al-Chalabi,Martin Turner,R. Shane Delamont No preview available - 2008 |
Common terms and phrases
ability able action activity affected allow animals axon become behaviour blood body brain causes cerebellum chapter circuits colour complex components connected consciousness cortex cranial nerves damage describe designed detect disease electrical emotional example exist experience eyes feel fibres function groups hand happens head heart human idea important involved language layer lead light limbic system living look loss means membrane memory midbrain mind motor move movement muscle nerve cells nervous system neural neurons normal NREM Number object occur organs pain particular person physical Plate position possible potential problem properties region requires response rest result sense sensory showing side signal similar single skull sleep sound specialized spinal cord stage structure surface temporal lobe theory things thought tion types understand usually visual wave wiring