Neuroanatomical Research Techniques


Book Description

Neuroanatomical Research Techniques discusses developments in major neuroanatomical research techniques. The book is organized into four parts. Part I deals generally with the preparation and study of brain tissue. It includes a chapter on the microscope, discussing optical magnification, limitations of microscopy, and optical contrasting methods. Other chapters summarize basic techniques for tissue preparation and sectioning; present guidelines for a number of standard, but essential, staining procedures; and present sophisticated and contemporary computer techniques that are proving to be invaluable as neuroanatomy evolves from a qualitative to a quantitative discipline. Part II deals with techniques often used for the study of normal tissue. These include the Golgi method, fluorescence histochemistry, techniques for staining single neurons, and the use of the electron microscope. Part III presents techniques for studying intrinsic connections of the nervous system. These include techniques for silver impregnation of degenerating fibers; autoradiographic technique for studying axonal projections; and somatopetal movement of horseradish peroxidase as a tool for studying connections and neuron morphology. Part IV discusses the interpretation of results from neuroanatomical research techniques and presents examples of the applications of neuroanatomical methods to major problems in physiological psychology.




Techniques in Neuroanatomical Research


Book Description

"Anatomy is the mother of physiology" - this statement was used to characterize the evolution of physiology from anato my as an independent science in the late nineteenth century. It had particular truth for neurophysiology, which started as functional neuroanatomy based on the observation of changes in behaviour after lesions of the nervous system both in ex perimental animals and in human patients. Today, anatomy may again be considered the mother of physiology; however, the meaning of this statement is rather different from that 100 years ago: The modem mother provides a dwelling for an increasing number of children endowed with new functional capabilities. This book provides a good illustration of such se mantic metamorphosis in the case of neuroanatomy. After a long period of little progress in either macroscopic neuroanatomy or neurohistology, during which the heritage of Cajal, Golgi, and others was developed and refined to yield a functional concept of the nervous system, the past two de cades have seen tremendous progress in methods applicable to the analysis of the nervous system. The new era was heralded by the introduction of the electron microscope to investigate the nervous system. This book is an impressive witness to the more recent developments.




Neuroanatomical Techniques


Book Description

Most neurobiological research is performed on vertebrates, and it is only natural that most texts describing neuroanatomical methods refer almost exclusively to this Phylum. Nevertheless, in recent years insects have been studied intensively and are becoming even more popular in some areas of research. They have advantages over vertebrates with respect to studying genetics of neuronal development and with respect to studying many aspects of integration by uniquely identifiable nerve cells. Insect central nervous system is characterized by its compactness and the rather large number of nerve cells in a structure so small. But despite their size, parts of the insect eNS bear structural comparisons with parts of vertebrate eNS. This applies particularly to the organization of the thoracic ganglia (and spinal cord), to the insect and vertebrate visual sys tems and, possibly, to parts of the olfactory neuropils. The neurons that make up these areas in insects are often large enough to be impaled by microelectrodes and can be injected with dyes. Added to advantages of using a small eNS, into which the sensory periphery is precisely mapped, are the many aspects of insect behaviour whose components can be quan titized and which may find both structural and functional correlates within clearly defined regions of neuropil. Together, these various features make the insect eNS a rewarding object for study. This volume is the first of two that describe both classic and recent methods for neuroanatomical research on insect eNS.




Guide to Research Techniques in Neuroscience


Book Description

Modern neuroscience research is inherently multidisciplinary, with a wide variety of cutting edge new techniques to explore multiple levels of investigation. This Third Edition of Guide to Research Techniques in Neuroscience provides a comprehensive overview of classical and cutting edge methods including their utility, limitations, and how data are presented in the literature. This book can be used as an introduction to neuroscience techniques for anyone new to the field or as a reference for any neuroscientist while reading papers or attending talks. - Nearly 200 updated full-color illustrations to clearly convey the theory and practice of neuroscience methods - Expands on techniques from previous editions and covers many new techniques including in vivo calcium imaging, fiber photometry, RNA-Seq, brain spheroids, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and more - Clear, straightforward explanations of each technique for anyone new to the field - A broad scope of methods, from noninvasive brain imaging in human subjects, to electrophysiology in animal models, to recombinant DNA technology in test tubes, to transfection of neurons in cell culture - Detailed recommendations on where to find protocols and other resources for specific techniques - "Walk-through" boxes that guide readers through experiments step-by-step




Mapping the Brain and Its Functions


Book Description

Significant advances in brain research have been made, but investigators who face the resulting explosion of data need new methods to integrate the pieces of the "brain puzzle." Based on the expertise of more than 100 neuroscientists and computer specialists, this new volume examines how computer technology can meet that need. Featuring outstanding color photography, the book presents an overview of the complexity of brain research, which covers the spectrum from human behavior to genetic mechanisms. Advances in vision, substance abuse, pain, and schizophrenia are highlighted. The committee explores the potential benefits of computer graphics, database systems, and communications networks in neuroscience and reviews the available technology. Recommendations center on a proposed Brain Mapping Initiative, with an agenda for implementation and a look at issues such as privacy and accessibility.




Neuroanatomy for the Neuroscientist


Book Description

This book is designed to help prepare them by introducing many of the fundamentals of the nervous system. It represents the essentials of an upper level biology course on the central nervous system. It is not designed to be a clinical approach to the nervous system, but rather it approaches the nervous system from a basic science perspective that intertwines both structure and function as an organizing teaching and learning model.




Neuroanatomy of Language Regions of the Human Brain


Book Description

Many studies of the neural bases of language processes are now conducted with functional and structural neuroimaging. Research is often compromised because of difficulties in identifying the core structures in the face of the complex morphology of these regions of the brain. Although there are many books on the cognitive aspects of language and also on neurolinguistics and aphasiology, Neuroanatomy of Language Regions of the Human Brain is the first anatomical atlas that focuses on the core regions of the cerebral cortex involved in language processing. This atlas is a richly illustrated guide for scientists interested in the gross morphology of the sulci and gyri of the core language regions, in the cytoarchitecture of the relevant cortical areas, and in the connectivity of these areas. Data from diffusion MRI and resting-state connectivity are integrated iwth critical experimental anatomical data about homologous areas in the macaque monkey to provide the latest information on the connectivity of the language-relevant cortical areas of the brain. Although the anatomical connectivity data from studies on the macaque monkey provide the most detailed information, they are often neglected because of difficulties in interpreting the terminology used and in making the monkey-to-human comparison. This atlas helps investigators interpret this important source of information. Neuroanatomy of Language Regions of the Human Brain will assist investigators of the neural bases of language in increasing the anatomical sophistication of their research adn in evaluating studies of language and the brain. - Abundantly illustrated with photographs, 3-D MRI reconstructions, and sections to represent the morphology of the sulci and gyri in the frontal, temporal, and parietal regions involved in language processing - Photomicrographs showing the cytoarchitecture of cortical areas involved in language processing - Series of coronal, sagittal, and horizontal sections identifying the sulci and gyri to assist language investigators using structural and functional neuroimaging techniques - All images accompanied by brief commentaries to help users navigate the complexities of the anatomy - Integration of data from diffusion MRI and resting-state connectivity with critical experimental anatomical data on the connectivity of homologous areas in the macaque monkey




From Neurons to Neighborhoods


Book Description

How we raise young children is one of today's most highly personalized and sharply politicized issues, in part because each of us can claim some level of "expertise." The debate has intensified as discoveries about our development-in the womb and in the first months and years-have reached the popular media. How can we use our burgeoning knowledge to assure the well-being of all young children, for their own sake as well as for the sake of our nation? Drawing from new findings, this book presents important conclusions about nature-versus-nurture, the impact of being born into a working family, the effect of politics on programs for children, the costs and benefits of intervention, and other issues. The committee issues a series of challenges to decision makers regarding the quality of child care, issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the integration of children's cognitive and emotional development, and more. Authoritative yet accessible, From Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the evidence about "brain wiring" and how kids learn to speak, think, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the climate-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.




Windows to the Brain


Book Description

Windows to the Brain is the only book to synthesize neuroanatomical and imaging research as it pertains to selected neuropsychiatric diseases, containing all of the "Windows to the Brain" papers published from 1999-2006 in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. These reader-friendly summaries by more than sixty contributors present modern imaging techniques that assist in the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric illness, enhanced by easily understood color graphics of the neuroanatomical circuits of behavior, memory, and emotion. They provide a basic understanding of how to apply a variety of imaging techniques to the study of adult neuropsychiatric disease and how to use neuroimaging to assist in diagnostic work-ups for conditions ranging from sleep disorders to epilepsy to borderline personality. Integrated, color-coded graphics present functional anatomical information in a manner that promotes understanding and use in clinical practice, while the text encompasses a wide range of diseases and injuries across the adult lifespan. The book is organized into four sections that will help readers increase their appreciation of the wide range of research and clinical applications for imaging in neuropsychiatry: chapters on imaging techniques discuss underlying principles, strengths and weaknesses, and applications; chapters on specific diseases demonstrate a range of investigative techniques; anatomy/circuit chapters focus on particular brain structures or functional neuropsychiatric circuits; and final chapters present image-based approaches to understanding or selecting treatment options. Some of the applications described are: Use of fMRI in posttraumatic stress disorder to reveal the delicate balance between the structures of the emotion and memory tracks; Use of high-resolution MRI and nuclear imaging to distinguish between panic disorder and simple partial seizure disorder; Use of functional imaging studies to detect corticobasal degeneration, as a means of better understanding dementia; Use of newer imaging techniques in identifying progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, to enable more rapid and reliable tailoring of individual therapy for HIV; Use of functional neuroimaging in the study of fear, in order to better understand and treat anxiety-based psychiatric disorders; Use of neuroimaging studies in conversion disorder, showing implications for the disruption of selfhood in dissociative identity disorder and schizophrenia; Use of FDG-PET scans to look for predictors of treatment response in childhood-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder. Windows to the Brain can help bring less-experienced readers up to speed on advanced imaging and anatomical details that pertain to the modern practice of neuropsychiatry. It is must-reading for specialists in neuropsychiatry and cognitive/behavioral neurology, or for general psychiatrists with an interest in neuroimaging.




Neuroanatomical Tract-Tracing


Book Description

The first two editions of this title had a tremendous impact in neuroscience. Between the Second edition in 1989 and today, there has been an explosion of information in the field, including advances in molecular techniques, such as genomics and proteomics, which have become increasing important in neuroscience. A renaissance in fluorescence has occurred, driven by the development of new probes, new microscopes, live imagers, and computer processing. The introduction of new markers has enormously stimulated the field, moving it from tissue culture to neurophysiology to functional MRI techniques.