Questions and Answers
What is the main premise of the book 'Molecular and Cellular Physiology of Neurons'?
Molecules and cells matter in understanding the nervous system.
Which university's Neuroscience Program is associated with the content of the book?
The author includes topics in higher-level integration such as sensory function in this book.
False
What topics are covered in other courses at UCLA rather than in this book?
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The book is a synthesis of neurophysiology at the level of the __________ and cells of the nervous system.
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What background knowledge do students generally have before taking the courses associated with this book?
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Study Notes
Overview
- Authored by Gordon L. Fain and Thomas J. O'Dell, "Molecular and Cellular Physiology of Neurons" explores neurophysiology at the molecular and cellular levels.
- Published by the President and Fellows of Harvard College in 2014, this second edition builds on the first edition from 1999.
Content Structure
- The book consists of several parts, each focusing on specific aspects of neuronal physiology:
- Electrical Properties of Cells and Homeostasis: Discusses the fundamental electrical properties of neurons, ion permeability, and mechanisms of maintaining homeostasis.
- Active Propagation of Neural Signals: Details action potentials, experiments by Hodgkin and Huxley, and the structure and function of ion channels.
- Synaptic Transmission and Ligand-Gated Channels: Explores mechanisms of synaptic transmission, and excitatory and inhibitory signaling.
- Metabotropic Transmission and Neuromodulation: Focuses on receptor dynamics, G proteins, effector molecules, and the effects of calcium in cell signaling.
- Sensory Transduction: Covers mechanoreceptors, photoreceptors, and olfactory receptor neurons.
Educational Approach
- Aimed at advanced undergraduates and graduate students in Neuroscience, necessitating foundational knowledge in calculus, physics, and molecular biology.
- Chapters include review material on resistance and capacitance to support students' understanding.
- Some advanced topics are reserved for later studies to accommodate varied academic backgrounds among students.
Key Themes
- Emphasizes the importance of molecules and cells in understanding the nervous system, stating that comprehension is incomplete without knowledge of cellular events.
- The author intentionally excludes higher-level integration topics, such as sensory function and neural networks, which are covered in other courses.
- Updates the content with the latest research on channel activation, neurotransmitter release mechanisms, and sensory transduction.
Supplemental Information
- The book includes illustrations to enhance understanding, with color images located after page 402.
- A comprehensive index and references are provided for further exploration of topics.
- Emphasizes the role and contributions of notable figures in neuroscience, dedicating the work to the memory of Susumu Hagiwara.
Intended Audience
- Targeted at individuals invested in neurophysiology at a cellular and molecular level, from students to professionals in neuroscience fields.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the concepts presented in the 'Molecular and Cellular Physiology of Neurons' Second Edition by Gordon L. Fain. This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of neuronal physiology and cellular mechanisms vital for understanding the nervous system. Ideal for students and professionals looking to reinforce their learning.
