In the past half century since the Vogts stimulated investigations on the anatomi cal relationships between cortex and subcortical structures, a voluminous literature has developed on the thalamus. Although much of this writing has been based upon studies of sub-human primates and carnivora, the prime goal of most investi gators has been to elucidate clinical experience. And indeed, these researches have enlightened the neurologist. From the beginning of anatomical studies of the thalamus, anatomists have sought a meaningful parcellation of the thalamus on the basis of both topography and cellular morphology. However, as the internal organization of the thalamus changes greatly in phylogeny, a topographical designation of thalamic divisions in different species loses its significance. Hence, the detailed descriptions of the nuclear configuration of carnivora, which appeared from the laboratories of Huber and Crosby, could not be readily applied to the thalamus of monkey or man. This has led to the introduction of different and more or less specific terminologies for each species rendering attempts at homologies difficult, if not impossible. Recogniz ing the changes in conceptualization of the thalamus and the advances in neuro anatomical knowledge, Dr. Van Buren has tackled the formidable tasks of bringing the thalamic nomenclature up to date. He has based his parcellation of the thala mus upon the histological morphology of the neuronal components, which are modified, to some extent at least, by the fiber tracts traversing the area.

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."

New edition building on the success of previous one. Retains core aim of providing an accessible introduction to behavioral neuroanatomy.

The thalamus is a key structure in the mammalian brain, providing a hub for communication within and across distributed forebrain networks. Research in this area has undergone a revolution in the last decade, with findings that suggest an expanded role for the thalamus in sensory processing, motor control, arousal regulation, and cognition. Moving beyond previous studies of anatomy and cell neurochemistry, scientists have expanded into investigations of cognitive function, and harness new methods and theories of neural computation. This book provides a survey of topics at the cutting edge of this field, covering basic anatomy, evolution, development, physiology and computation. It is also the first book to combine these disciplines in one place, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of thalamus research, and will be an essential resource for students and experts in biology, medicine and computer science.