The Nervous System

by Evans-martin, F. Fay; Cooley, Denton A., M.D.

• ISBN13: 9781604133745
• ISBN10: 1604133740
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-11-01
• Publisher: Facts on File

Summary

The nervous system allows us to move, feel, and think, and it is involved in nearly all of the functions of the human body. Nerves communicate signals between the brain and muscles, allowing us to move our hands and feet. Or, they relay messages about the environment through touch, taste, sight, and smell. Nerves can also communicate information about how we are feeling at any particular time and help to maintain homeostasis, or a stable state of equilibrium. The Nervous System discusses the development and organization of this diverse system, its functions, and potential injuries and complications.

Author Biography

F. Fay Evans-Martin, Ph.D., has a dual background in the areas of pharmacology and biopsychology. She holds a B.S. in biology, an M.S. in pharmacology, and a doctorate in psychology. Her postdoctoral research was conducted in spinal cord injury at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and in nicotine self-administration at the University of Pittsburgh.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 6
Our Amazing Nervous System	p. 10
Development of the Nervous System	p. 26
Organization of the Nervous System	p. 35
Sensation and Perception	p. 59
Movement	p. 80
Learning and Memory	p. 99
Emotions and Reward Systems	p. 115
Neuroendocrine and Neuroimmune Interactions	p. 126
Sleep and Wakefulness	p. 138
Diseases and Injuries of the Nervous System	p. 152
Appendix: Conversion Chart	p. 172
Glossary	p. 173
Bibliography	p. 195
Further Resources	p. 210
Picture Credits	p. 213
Index	p. 214
About the Author	p. 222
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

The nervous system allows us to move, feel, and think, and it is involved in nearly all of the functions of the human body. Nerves communicate signals between the brain and muscles, allowing us to move our hands and feet. Or, they relay messages about the environment through touch, taste, sight, and smell. Nerves can also communicate information about how we are feeling at any particular time and help to maintain homeostasis, or a stable state of equilibrium.The Nervous Systemdiscusses the development and organization of this diverse system, its functions, and potential injuries and complications.

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Excerpted from The Nervous System by F. Fay Evans-Martin
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