A fascinating look at what s rattling around in your skull Neuroscience For Dummies introduces you to the mind-boggling study of the human brain. It tracks to the content of a typical introductory neuroscience class at the college level and it s perfect for anyone curious about what makes us tick. New technologies and an explosion of research have completely transformed our understanding of memory, depression, the mind-body connection, learning, and genetics. This updated edition still in classic, beginner-friendly Dummies style covers the latest research advances and technologies in the field of neuroscience. Put some knowledge about the brain into your brain. Grasp the basic concepts and applications of neuroscience Understand the brain s structure and function Explore how the brain impacts memory, learning, and emotions Discover how the brain is connected with other physical systemsFor students and general readers alike, Neuroscience For Dummies is a great way to understand what s going on inside our heads.

A fascinating look at what's rattling around in your skullNeuroscience For Dummies introduces you to the mind-boggling study of the human brain. It tracks to the content of a typical introductory neuroscience class at the college level --and it's perfect for anyone curious about what makes us tick. New technologies and an explosion of research have completely transformed our understanding of memory, depression, the mind-body connection, learning, and genetics. This updated edition--still in classic, beginner-friendly Dummies style--covers the latest research advances and technologies in the field of neuroscience. Put some knowledge about the brain into your brain.* Grasp the basic concepts and applications of neuroscience* Understand the brain's structure and function* Explore how the brain impacts memory, learning, and emotions* Discover how the brain is connected with other physical systemsFor students and general readers alike, Neuroscience For Dummies is a great way to understand what's going on inside our heads.

Introduction 1Part 1: Introducing the Nervous System 5Chapter 1: A Quick Trip through the Nervous System 7Chapter 2: All about the Brain and Spinal Cord 23Chapter 3: Understanding How Neurons Work 51Part 2: Translating the Internal and External Worlds through Your Senses 69Chapter 4: Feeling Your Way: The Skin Senses 71Chapter 5: Looking at Vision 87Chapter 6: Sounding Off: The Auditory System 109Chapter 7: Odors and Taste 127Part 3: Moving Right Along: Motor Systems 143Chapter 8: Movement Basics 145Chapter 9: Coordinating Things More: The Spinal Cord and Pathways 159Chapter 10: Planning and Executing Actions 173Chapter 11: Unconscious Actions with Big Implications 191Part 4: Intelligence: The Thinking Brain and Consciousness 211Chapter 12: Understanding Intelligence, Consciousness, and Emotions 213Chapter 13: How the Brain Processes Thoughts 239Chapter 14: The Executive Brain 259Chapter 15: Learning and Memory 275Chapter 16: Developing and Modifying Brain Circuits: Plasticity 299Chapter 17: Neural Dysfunctions, Mental Illness, and Drugs That Affect the Brain 325Part 5: The Part of Tens 339Chapter 18: Ten (or So) Crucial Brain Structures 341Chapter 19: Ten Tricks of Neurons That Make Them Do What They Do 349Chapter 20: Ten Promising Treatments for the Future 357Glossary 367Index 383