Abstract
Over the past 10 years there have been many advances in our understanding of neuroanatomy, particularly as it relates to behaviour. In this new edition the authors attempt to take stock of the literature from basic sciences and advances in neuroimaging, and to incorporate this with behavioural and physiological research. The book is written with the aim of informing and stimulating both researchers and clinicians. The brain and behavior is accurately summarized on the cover as “an accessible overview of behavioral neuroanatomy”.
The text is set out in 14 chapters, three introductory chapters with the remaining 11 chapters each describing an anatomically/functionally distinct brain structure. Each chapter contains a helpful bibliography in addition to references. The first three chapters form a very basic introduction to the brain, making this text suitable for people with little prior knowledge. They outline major subdivisions, common terms, the ventricular system, gross anatomy of the brain, vasculature and histology including synaptic structure and neurotransmission. As an attempt to integrate anatomy, behaviour and physiology the authors have chosen to present each type of information in different fonts. The majority of each chapter consists of anatomical details, with behavioural implications being the next largest category and physiological implications receiving the least attention. This of course varies between chapters, as does current scientific knowledge regarding behavioural and physiological implications of neuroanatomical knowledge. The setting out in different fonts works well in The brain and behavior with the text flowing and readers being able to distinguish areas of interest easily. The chapters are also studded with short clinical vignettes that describe cases, mostly as observed by the authors, with damage or impairment to the anatomical area being discussed.
This is a well-written, clear, and concise text of the latest research in neuroanatomy. It is well illustrated with simplified diagrams and neuroimaging. There are also a limited number of colour plates demonstrating functional magnetic resonance imaging. The clinical vignettes add considerable interest to these topics. Although only introductory in nature, there is enough detail to serve as a useful starting point for understanding brain anatomy, neurophysiology, and their integration and resulting behavioural implications. The addition of bibliographies following each chapter adds to its usefulness as a starting resource. The brain and behavior would be a useful book to have on hand for anyone reading journal articles in areas they are not familiar with. It is an excellent reference text for research and clinical practice in this rapidly developing field.
Nicola Swain-Campbell
Dunedin, New Zealand
© 2007 Nicola Swain-Campbell