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Overview
The synapse not only provides a bridge from one nerve cell to the next; its function can be modified by experience, making it important for learning and memory, and it plays an important role in the growth and development of the nervous system. This is a central topic in the study of neuroscience on which molecular biology has had a major impact. Professor Kuno has written the first accessible overview of the synapse in these different contexts. He takes the reader through a series of fundamental questions about neuronal function which facilitate an understanding of the rationale and logic behind current research in the area. To achieve a true synthesis on molecular biology and neurophysiology, the terminology and concepts are described in terms accessible to advanced students and researchers in both areas, enhanced by over 140 illustrations and a number of explanatory boxes.
The book contains black-and-white illustrations.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Konstantin V. Slavin, MD(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)Description: This book is a comprehensive summary of current knowledge about synapses, their structure, mechanism of function, and physiological role. It provides an overview of the neurophysiology and molecular biology of synapses and puts them into historical perspective.
Purpose: The goals are to elucidate how current concepts in neurobiology of synapse were accepted and to link the latest research in neurophysiology and molecular biology. This is needed especially for those in the beginning of their neuroscientific career, because understanding of the past and present is essential for building the future. The book certainly fulfills the author's objectives.
Audience: The author directs his book to graduate students and research workers. This is quite appropriate, because the book is too complex for undergraduates and too basic for faculty. The author is a well-known neuroscientist from Kyoto.
Features: Multiple schematic and halftone illustrations add to the quality of the text. There is a complete list of references at the end of the book, but in addition to this, a shorter set of suggested readings is placed at the end of most chapters. The author added two interesting features: sections of summaries and prospects in each chapter. There are many boxes with explanations of various subjects and terms. The appearance of the book is very attractive.
Assessment: This nicely written book presents a comprehensive summary of neurobiological concepts on synapses, their function, and some specific patterns. It is a valuable addition to the libraries of neuroresearchers and graduate students and may serve as a reference source about synapses. Biological and medical libraries should perhaps have multiple copies of this book because it will eventually become essential reading for neuroscience courses.
Konstantin V. Slavin
This book is a comprehensive summary of current knowledge about synapses, their structure, mechanism of function, and physiological role. It provides an overview of the neurophysiology and molecular biology of synapses and puts them into historical perspective. The goals are to elucidate how current concepts in neurobiology of synapse were accepted and to link the latest research in neurophysiology and molecular biology. This is needed especially for those in the beginning of their neuroscientific career, because understanding of the past and present is essential for building the future. The book certainly fulfills the author's objectives. The author directs his book to graduate students and research workers. This is quite appropriate, because the book is too complex for undergraduates and too basic for faculty. The author is a well-known neuroscientist from Kyoto. Multiple schematic and halftone illustrations add to the quality of the text. There is a complete list of references at the end of the book, but in addition to this, a shorter set of suggested readings is placed at the end of most chapters. The author added two interesting features: sections of summaries and prospects in each chapter. There are many boxes with explanations of various subjects and terms. The appearance of the book is very attractive. This nicely written book presents a comprehensive summary of neurobiological concepts on synapses, their function, and some specific patterns. It is a valuable addition to the libraries of neuroresearchers and graduate students and may serve as a reference source about synapses. Biological and medical libraries should perhaps have multiple copies of this book because itwill eventually become essential reading for neuroscience courses.4 Stars! from Doody