Overview
During the past two decades, a great deal of research has been conducted in an effort to delineate the neuroanatomical and functional organization of the autonomic nervous system which controls cardiac function. This groundbreaking volume provides a full description of current knowledge about the neuronal mechanisms regulating the heart. It gives a coherent overview of the function of populations of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems that are involved in maintaining cardiac function. Recently developed concepts about the function of afferent and efferent autonomic neurons regulating the heart, as well as those interposed between, are presented in a comprehensive fashion from the level of central neurons to those innervating the heart. Data provided in this book challenge currently held concepts about how central and peripheral autonomic neurons interact to regulate the heart.
An authoritative and well-organized volume, Neurocardiology highlights current concepts about cardiac afferent mechanisms responsible for cardiovascular reflexes, as well as the role of efferent autonomic neurons in regulating cardiodynamics and coronary artery blood flow and in generating cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, neurohumoral regulation of cardiac myocyte function is brought up to date with particular emphasis on myocyte regulation in disease states. New ideas about intrinsic and extrinsic cardiac intrathoracic neurons, the role of spinal cord and medullary and higher center neurons are presented. The final chapters focus on the role that autonomic neurons play in the maintentance of cardiac function in the conscious state as well as in two major clinical conditions, dysrythimias and heart failure. Thus, this comprehensive work offers a succinct overview of the function of central and peripheral autonomic neurons regulating the heart in normal and disease states.
The book contains black-and-white illustrations.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: R. John Solaro, PhD(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)Description: This is a broadly-based monograph dealing with the control of the heart by the central nervous system and by the peripheral autonomic nervous system. It is written by authorities in the various areas of interest.
Purpose: The purpose is to present an authoritative, comprehensive, and well-integrated summary of current knowledge in this field.
Audience: The book will be of interest to researchers and trainees specializing in regulation of the heart. It will also be of interest to specialist physicians wishing to be current in this important area.
Features: The main feature of the book is concise, cohesive summaries of important topics. Illustrations are used well to reinforce the concepts.
Assessment: This is an excellent monograph filling an important gap in the literature. The objectives of the authors are well met and the book will be of use across research and applied areas of interest. The book is readable and well illustrated.
R. John Solaro
This is a broadly-based monograph dealing with the control of the heart by the central nervous system and by the peripheral autonomic nervous system. It is written by authorities in the various areas of interest. "The purpose is to present an authoritative, comprehensive, and well-integrated summary of current knowledge in this field. "The book will be of interest to researchers and trainees specializing in regulation of the heart. It will also be of interest to specialist physicians wishing to be current in this important area. "The main feature of the book is concise, cohesive summaries of important topics. Illustrations are used well to reinforce the concepts. "This is an excellent monograph filling an important gap in the literature. The objectives of the authors are well met and the book will be of use across research and applied areas of interest. The book is readable and well illustrated.4 Stars! from Doody