Brain Facts A PRIMER ON THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM - THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE, Biological psychology
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
BrainFacts
THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE
A PRIMER ON THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM
Brain Facts
A PRIMER ON THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM
THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE
THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE
The Society for Neuroscience is the world’s largest organization of sci-
entists and physicians dedicated to understanding the brain, spinal cord
and peripheral nervous system.
Neuroscientists investigate the molecular and cellular levels of the
nervous system; the neuronal systems responsible for sensory and
motor function; and the basis of higher order processes, such as cog-
nition and emotion. This research provides the basis for understand-
ing the medical fields that are concerned with treating nervous system
disorders. These medical specialties include neurology, neurosurgery,
psychiatry and ophthalmology.
Founded in 1970, the Society has grown from 500 charter members
to more than 29,000 members. Regular members are residents of Canada,
Mexico and the United States—where more than 100 chapters organize
local activities. The Society’s membership also includes many scientists
from throughout the world, particularly Europe and Asia.
The purposes of the Society are to:
∫
Advance the understanding of the nervous system by bringing together
scientists from various backgrounds and by encouraging research in all
aspects of neuroscience.
∫
Promote education in the neurosciences.
∫
Inform the public about the results and implications of new research.
The exchange of scientific information occurs at an annual fall
meeting that presents more than 14,000 reports of new scientific
findings and includes more than 25,000 participants. This meeting, the
largest of its kind in the world, is
the
arena for the presentation of new
results in neuroscience.
The Society’s bimonthly journal,
The Journal of Neuroscience,
con-
tains articles spanning the entire range of neuroscience research and
has subscribers worldwide. A series of courses, workshops and sym-
posia held at the annual meeting promote the education of Society
members. The
Neuroscience Newsletter
informs members about Society
activities.
A major mission of the Society is to inform the public about the
progress and benefits of neuroscience research. The Society provides
information about neuroscience to school teachers and encourages its
members to speak to young people about the human brain and nervous
system.
Brain Facts
INTRODUCTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
THE NEURON
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Neurotransmitters
∫
Second Messengers
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Birth of Neurons and Brain Wiring
∫
Paring Back
∫
Critical Periods
SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Vision
∫
Hearing
∫
Taste and Smell
∫
Touch and Pain
LEARNING AND MEMORY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
MOVEMENT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
SLEEP
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
The Stu∑ of Sleep
∫
Sleep Disorders
∫
How is Sleep Regulated?
STRESS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
The Immediate Response
∫
Chronic Stress
AGING
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
Aging Neurons
∫
Intellectual Capacity
ADVANCES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
Parkinson’s Disease
∫
Pain
∫
Epilepsy
∫
Major Depression
Manic-Depressive Illness
CHALLENGES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
Addiction
∫
Alzheimer’s Disease
∫
Learning Disorders
Stroke
∫
Neurological Trauma
∫
Anxiety Disorders
Schizophrenia
∫
Neurological AIDS
∫
Multiple Sclerosis
Down Syndrome
∫
Huntington’s Disease
∫
Tourette Syndrome
Brain Tumors
∫
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
NEW DIAGNOSTIC METHODS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Imaging Techniques
∫
Gene Diagnosis
POTENTIAL THERAPIES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
New Drugs
∫
Trophic Factors
∫
Cell and Gene Therapy
GLOSSARY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48
INDEX
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
Introduction
t sets humans apart from all other species by allowing us
to achieve the wonders of walking on the moon and com-
posing masterpieces of literature, art and music. Through-
out recorded time, the human brain—a spongy, three-
pound mass of fatty tissue—has been compared to a
telephone switchboard and a supercomputer.
But the brain is much more complicated than any of these
devices, a fact scientists confirm almost daily with each new
discovery. The extent of the brain’s capabilities is unknown, but
it is the most complex living structure known in the universe.
This single organ controls all body activities, ranging from
heart rate and sexual function to emotion, learning and mem-
ory. The brain is even thought to influence the response to dis-
ease of the immune system and to determine, in part, how well
people respond to medical treatments. Ultimately, it shapes our
thoughts, hopes, dreams and imagination. In short, the brain is
what makes us human.
Neuroscientists have the daunting task of deciphering the
mystery of this most complex of all machines: how as many as
a trillion nerve cells are produced, grow and organize them-
selves into e∑ective, functionally active systems that ordinarily
remain in working order throughout a person’s lifetime.
The motivation of researchers is twofold: to understand
human behavior better—from how we learn to why people
have trouble getting along together—and to discover ways to
prevent or cure many devastating brain disorders.
The more than 1,000 disorders of the brain and nervous
system result in more hospitalizations than any other disease
group, including heart disease and cancer. Neurological illnesses
a∑ect more than 50 million Americans annually at costs exceed-
ing $400 billion. In addition, mental disorders, excluding drug
and alcohol problems, strike 44 million adults a year at a cost
of some $148 billion.
However, during the congressionally designated Decade of
the Brain, which ended in 2000, neuroscience made significant
discoveries in these areas:
∫
Genetics. Key disease genes were identified that underlie sev-
eral neurodegenerative disorders—including Alzheimer’s dis-
ease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis. This has provided new insights into underlying
disease mechanisms and is beginning to suggest new treatments.
With the mapping of the human genome, neuroscientists
will be able to make more rapid progress in identifying genes that
either contribute to human neurological disease or that directly
cause disease. Mapping animal genomes will aid the search for
genes that regulate and control many complex behaviors.
∫
Brain Plasticity. Scientists began to uncover the molecular
bases of neural plasticity, revealing how learning and memory
occur and how declines might be reversed. It also is leading to
new approaches to the treatment of chronic pain.
∫
New Drugs. Researchers gained new insights into the mech-
anisms of molecular neuropharmacology, which provides a new
understanding of the mechanisms of addiction. These advances
also have led to new treatments for depression and obsessive-
compulsive disorder.
∫
Imaging. Revolutionary imaging techniques, including mag-
netic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography,
now reveal brain systems underlying attention, memory and
emotions and indicate dynamic changes that occur in schizo-
phrenia.
∫
Cell Death. The discovery of how and why neurons die, as
well as the discovery of stem cells, which divide and form new
neurons, has many clinical applications. This has dramatically
improved the outlook for reversing the e∑ects of injury both in
the brain and spinal cord. The first e∑ective treatments for
stroke and spinal cord injury based on these advances have been
brought to clinical practice.
∫
Brain Development. New principles and molecules respon-
sible for guiding nervous system development now give scien-
tists a better understanding of certain disorders of childhood.
Together with the discovery of stem cells, these advances are
pointing to novel strategies for helping the brain or spinal cord
regain functions lost to diseases.
Federal neuroscience research funding of more than $4 bil-
lion annually and private support should vastly expand our
knowledge of the brain in the years ahead.
This book only provides a glimpse of what is known about
the nervous system, the disorders of the brain and some of the
exciting avenues of research that promise new therapies for
many neurological diseases.
2
I
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
zanotowane.pl doc.pisz.pl pdf.pisz.pl lemansa.htw.pl
BrainFacts
THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE
A PRIMER ON THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM
Brain Facts
A PRIMER ON THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM
THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE
THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE
The Society for Neuroscience is the world’s largest organization of sci-
entists and physicians dedicated to understanding the brain, spinal cord
and peripheral nervous system.
Neuroscientists investigate the molecular and cellular levels of the
nervous system; the neuronal systems responsible for sensory and
motor function; and the basis of higher order processes, such as cog-
nition and emotion. This research provides the basis for understand-
ing the medical fields that are concerned with treating nervous system
disorders. These medical specialties include neurology, neurosurgery,
psychiatry and ophthalmology.
Founded in 1970, the Society has grown from 500 charter members
to more than 29,000 members. Regular members are residents of Canada,
Mexico and the United States—where more than 100 chapters organize
local activities. The Society’s membership also includes many scientists
from throughout the world, particularly Europe and Asia.
The purposes of the Society are to:
∫
Advance the understanding of the nervous system by bringing together
scientists from various backgrounds and by encouraging research in all
aspects of neuroscience.
∫
Promote education in the neurosciences.
∫
Inform the public about the results and implications of new research.
The exchange of scientific information occurs at an annual fall
meeting that presents more than 14,000 reports of new scientific
findings and includes more than 25,000 participants. This meeting, the
largest of its kind in the world, is
the
arena for the presentation of new
results in neuroscience.
The Society’s bimonthly journal,
The Journal of Neuroscience,
con-
tains articles spanning the entire range of neuroscience research and
has subscribers worldwide. A series of courses, workshops and sym-
posia held at the annual meeting promote the education of Society
members. The
Neuroscience Newsletter
informs members about Society
activities.
A major mission of the Society is to inform the public about the
progress and benefits of neuroscience research. The Society provides
information about neuroscience to school teachers and encourages its
members to speak to young people about the human brain and nervous
system.
Brain Facts
INTRODUCTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
THE NEURON
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Neurotransmitters
∫
Second Messengers
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Birth of Neurons and Brain Wiring
∫
Paring Back
∫
Critical Periods
SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Vision
∫
Hearing
∫
Taste and Smell
∫
Touch and Pain
LEARNING AND MEMORY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
MOVEMENT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
SLEEP
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
The Stu∑ of Sleep
∫
Sleep Disorders
∫
How is Sleep Regulated?
STRESS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
The Immediate Response
∫
Chronic Stress
AGING
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
Aging Neurons
∫
Intellectual Capacity
ADVANCES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
Parkinson’s Disease
∫
Pain
∫
Epilepsy
∫
Major Depression
Manic-Depressive Illness
CHALLENGES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
Addiction
∫
Alzheimer’s Disease
∫
Learning Disorders
Stroke
∫
Neurological Trauma
∫
Anxiety Disorders
Schizophrenia
∫
Neurological AIDS
∫
Multiple Sclerosis
Down Syndrome
∫
Huntington’s Disease
∫
Tourette Syndrome
Brain Tumors
∫
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
NEW DIAGNOSTIC METHODS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
43
Imaging Techniques
∫
Gene Diagnosis
POTENTIAL THERAPIES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
New Drugs
∫
Trophic Factors
∫
Cell and Gene Therapy
GLOSSARY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48
INDEX
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
Introduction
t sets humans apart from all other species by allowing us
to achieve the wonders of walking on the moon and com-
posing masterpieces of literature, art and music. Through-
out recorded time, the human brain—a spongy, three-
pound mass of fatty tissue—has been compared to a
telephone switchboard and a supercomputer.
But the brain is much more complicated than any of these
devices, a fact scientists confirm almost daily with each new
discovery. The extent of the brain’s capabilities is unknown, but
it is the most complex living structure known in the universe.
This single organ controls all body activities, ranging from
heart rate and sexual function to emotion, learning and mem-
ory. The brain is even thought to influence the response to dis-
ease of the immune system and to determine, in part, how well
people respond to medical treatments. Ultimately, it shapes our
thoughts, hopes, dreams and imagination. In short, the brain is
what makes us human.
Neuroscientists have the daunting task of deciphering the
mystery of this most complex of all machines: how as many as
a trillion nerve cells are produced, grow and organize them-
selves into e∑ective, functionally active systems that ordinarily
remain in working order throughout a person’s lifetime.
The motivation of researchers is twofold: to understand
human behavior better—from how we learn to why people
have trouble getting along together—and to discover ways to
prevent or cure many devastating brain disorders.
The more than 1,000 disorders of the brain and nervous
system result in more hospitalizations than any other disease
group, including heart disease and cancer. Neurological illnesses
a∑ect more than 50 million Americans annually at costs exceed-
ing $400 billion. In addition, mental disorders, excluding drug
and alcohol problems, strike 44 million adults a year at a cost
of some $148 billion.
However, during the congressionally designated Decade of
the Brain, which ended in 2000, neuroscience made significant
discoveries in these areas:
∫
Genetics. Key disease genes were identified that underlie sev-
eral neurodegenerative disorders—including Alzheimer’s dis-
ease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis. This has provided new insights into underlying
disease mechanisms and is beginning to suggest new treatments.
With the mapping of the human genome, neuroscientists
will be able to make more rapid progress in identifying genes that
either contribute to human neurological disease or that directly
cause disease. Mapping animal genomes will aid the search for
genes that regulate and control many complex behaviors.
∫
Brain Plasticity. Scientists began to uncover the molecular
bases of neural plasticity, revealing how learning and memory
occur and how declines might be reversed. It also is leading to
new approaches to the treatment of chronic pain.
∫
New Drugs. Researchers gained new insights into the mech-
anisms of molecular neuropharmacology, which provides a new
understanding of the mechanisms of addiction. These advances
also have led to new treatments for depression and obsessive-
compulsive disorder.
∫
Imaging. Revolutionary imaging techniques, including mag-
netic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography,
now reveal brain systems underlying attention, memory and
emotions and indicate dynamic changes that occur in schizo-
phrenia.
∫
Cell Death. The discovery of how and why neurons die, as
well as the discovery of stem cells, which divide and form new
neurons, has many clinical applications. This has dramatically
improved the outlook for reversing the e∑ects of injury both in
the brain and spinal cord. The first e∑ective treatments for
stroke and spinal cord injury based on these advances have been
brought to clinical practice.
∫
Brain Development. New principles and molecules respon-
sible for guiding nervous system development now give scien-
tists a better understanding of certain disorders of childhood.
Together with the discovery of stem cells, these advances are
pointing to novel strategies for helping the brain or spinal cord
regain functions lost to diseases.
Federal neuroscience research funding of more than $4 bil-
lion annually and private support should vastly expand our
knowledge of the brain in the years ahead.
This book only provides a glimpse of what is known about
the nervous system, the disorders of the brain and some of the
exciting avenues of research that promise new therapies for
many neurological diseases.
2
I
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]