Neurons share many properties with other cells, including their complement of organelles, an electrical potential across their surface membranes, and an ability to secrete various substances. What distinguishes neurons is the ways in which they have adapted these common properties…
The central nervous system (CNS) is tremendously active metabolically—relative to its weight, it uses much more than its share of the available oxygen and glucose. Corresponding to this metabolic activity, it has an abundant and closely regulated arterial supply and…
The ventricular system , the remnant of the space in the middle of the embryonic neural tube (see Fig. 2.5 ), is an interconnected series of cavities that extends through most of the central nervous system (CNS). The Brain Contains…
The meninges form a major part of the mechanical suspension system of the CNS, necessary to keep it from self-destructing as we move through the world. In addition, one layer of the meninges participates in the system of barriers that…
A useful way to start studying the brain is to learn some of the vocabulary that refers to its major parts, and to understand in a vague way what they do. These major parts can then serve as reference points…
Understanding a little bit about the embryology of the brain helps clarify the way it's put together in adults. The central nervous system (CNS) starts out as a simple ectodermal tube that develops some folds and bulges. The cavity of…
The brain seems bewilderingly complex the first few times you look at it. One way to ease the bewilderment is to have an overview of some vocabulary and organizing principles, which the first three chapters of this book attempt to…