The Brain Book

Abstract

The Brain Book covers exactly what you would expect: anatomy and physiology of the human central nervous system. Chapters are divided into three main concepts: basic structure as it relates to function (“Brain and spinal cord function”; “Nerves, nerve cells, and brain chemistry”; “Development of the brain and spinal cord”), the brain in action (“The senses”; “Movement and actions”; “The social and thinking brain”), and lastly a group of chapters that could be thought of as the brain in special circumstances (“The social and thinking brain”; “Mind, consciousness, mood and repair”; “Brain plasticity, injury, and repair”; “Drugs and the brain”; “Diseases and disorders”). Each chapter provides a two-page overview followed by detailed analysis of the topic at hand. Basic anatomy and physiology of systems are reviewed in detail, with many supporting and clarifying diagrams and illustrations. Photographs of people performing essential life-tasks that demonstrate a particular brain function, performing diagnostics, or undergoing medical tests bring the concepts close to home as readers see “real people” in context with the science discussed. Descriptive narrative is supported by many visuals; the diagrammatic illustrations are particularly clear and well presented.The Brain Book is an excellent, clear introduction to the central nervous system. The complex functioning of the brain is a miracle of human physiology; as such, The Brain Book covers a vast realm of fascinating concepts. Each topic is carefully explained through text and diagram. Visual consistencies allow readers to apply understanding established in one section to application in another – for example, diagrams used to explain synapses are repeated with modifications in sections explaining the physiology of drugs and diseases. Pathologies are often presented in the discussion of normal physiology, helping the reader understand anatomy and physiology through seeing what happens when normal function fails. Almost every section places brain science in the context of the lived human experience through anecdotes, photographs, diagrams, and historical scenarios. These bring topics to life for readers in connection with their own experience and understanding.Encyclopedic in scope, The Brain Book is less a “good read” than a clear and valuable reference. Examples and case presentation, often focused on young people and developing minds, makes The Brain Book particularly valuable and relevant to high school and college-age readers. Richly illustrated and appealing, The Brain Book would be a valuable addition to the library of any student of biology, anatomy, or physiology.