Synopsis

Now in its second edition, Brain Architecture is the continued exploration of how the brain works. At the very core of our existence, the brain generates our thoughts and feelings, directs our voluntary interactions with the environment, and coordinates all of the vital functions within the body itself. This long-overdue new edition explains this oftentimes daunting intricacy and exquisite detail.

The first half of the book discusses the basic parts and how they work, presenting an overview of the nervous system at both the microscopic and macroscopic levels. The approach follows three classic lines of thought that proceed from simple to complex: the history of neuroscience research, the evolution of the nervous system, and the embryological development of the vertebrate central and peripheral nervous systems.

The second half of the book outlines the basic wiring diagram of the brain and nervous system-how the parts are interconnected and how they control behavior and the internal state of the body. This is done within the framework of a new four-system network model that greatly simplifies understanding the structure-function organization of the nervous system.

Written in clear and sparkling prose, beautifully illustrated, and thoroughly updated, Brain Architecture, Second Edition is must-read for anyone interested in the science of how the brain works.

Reviewer: Celso Agner, MD, MS, MSc(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description: The scholarly study of anatomy can vary from a monotonous memorization of names and structures, to an artistic representation of the body in da Vinci's style, or to an innovative approach integrating structure, function, and good techniques of memorization. This book stylistically approaches neuroanatomy in an easy to understand manner.
Purpose: The purpose is to address neuroanatomy, evolution, and embryology of the nervous system in a practical, concise, and comprehensive manner. Those objectives are clearly met by all authors.
Audience: The audience is mostly composed of neuroanatomists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons who want to review major topics of already learnt topics in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. All objectives were met. The author is an authority in the subject.
Features: Through history and facts, the authors concentrate on major aspects of behavior and attempts to correlate them with structural concepts in neuroanatomy. The topic is, however, repetitive and, possibly, not necessary, even if the approach to it is different. In my view, it is a replication of other readily available sources of information and probably other sources would be useful in the same fashion. It may be a worthy book, however, for specific populations of neuroscientists and students who would adapt to a more eclectic way of studying. The references are up-to-date.
Assessment: I think this would be an important component of any neuroscience library, as different study modalities may prevail and some students may particularly benefit from this book's style.

Biography

Larry W. Swanson, PhD, is Milo Don and Lucille Appleman Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Swanson has published over 250 research articles and numerous books on brain organization, and is a member of National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Grolier Club.