A concerted effort has been made to credit any image that was used, in modified format, from another source. The Editors apologize if any such image has been inadvertently overlooked. Chapter 2 2.3A and B, 2.4 inset, 2.12B, Courtesy Dr.…
In many respects this chapter is a prologue to the experience of working directly with the patient. Now that many aspects of functional systems neurobiology have been mastered, the opportunity to apply this knowledge is at hand. The neurologic examination…
The cerebral cortex is the organ of thought. More than any other part of the nervous system, the cerebral cortex is the site of the intellectual functions that make us human and that make each of us a unique individual.…
Many complex brain systems are organized in a way that allows their function to be readily deduced. For example, although the connections of the somatosensory pathways with the brainstem, thalamus, and cortex are complex, each component plays a straightforward role.…
One of the most rostral cell groups to influence visceral function, and the one that has direct input to all other visceral nuclei in the neuraxis, is the hypothalamus. In addition to its role in regulating visceromotor functions, the hypothalamus,…
The primary function of the visceral motor system is the regulation of cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, integumentary, and reproductive organs. These organs are the main effectors of homeostasis, the maintenance of a stable internal environment against perturbing influences, both external…
All animals use their sensory organs to scan the environment in search of information. Often these organs are actively oriented toward relevant targets. This orienting behavior is exhibited by creatures from honey bees to humans. Movement of the eyes, for…
As indicated by its relative size (about 10% of the weight of the central nervous system), the cerebellum is essential to central nervous system function. However, it executes these responsibilities in unique ways. First, it receives extensive sensory input, but…
Voluntary movement is essential to the well-being of living animals. Such behaviors are accomplished by signals that direct the actions of individual muscles. Although these signals originate in the cerebral cortex, they are modulated by a variety of subcortical structures.…
Brushing our teeth seems like a simple voluntary movement. The neural basis for this action is, in fact, richly complex. For example, muscles in the upper limb are used cooperatively with jaw muscles, whereas neck and back muscles provide postural…