The Parietal Lobe

The Parietal Lobe, Volume 151, the latest release from the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series, provides a foundation on the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and clinical neurology/neuropsychology of the parietal lobe that is not only applicable to both basic researchers and clinicians, but also to students and specialists who are interested in learning more about disorders brought on by damage or dysfunction. Topics encompass the evolution, anatomy, connections, and neurophysiology, the major neurological and neuropsychological deficits and syndromes caused by damage, the potential for improvement via transcranial stimulation, and the role of the parietal in the cerebral networks for perception and action. Provides a broad overview of the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and clinical neurology of this region of the cortex Offers additional insights regarding the role of the parietal in the cerebral networks for perception and action Addresses the most frequent complications associated with damage, including somatosensory, perceptual, language, and memory, deficits, pain, optic ataxia, spatial neglect, apraxia, and more Edited work with chapters authored by global leaders in the field Presents the broadest, most expert coverage available

This volume covers the dramatic developments that have occurred in basic neuroscience and clinical research in cognitive neurology and dementia. It is based on the clinical approach to the patient, and provides essential knowledge that is fundamental to clinical practice.

New edition building on the success of previous one. Retains core aim of providing an accessible introduction to behavioral neuroanatomy.

An invitation from the Editors to contribute to 'Studies of Brain Functions' with a monograph on the parietal lobe of fers me an opportunity to present in a concentrated form my studies on this part of the brain from a period of some what over a decade. The parietal lobe, notably its posterior part, is a very complex neural system whose functions I have been able to study only superficially and without ex tensive coverage of all its parts. Therefore I did not want to limit myself entirely to my own work but found the task of writing more interesti'ng by including sections reviewing rel evant literature. Thus Chapter III dealing with the primary somatosensory cortex and Chapters IX, X, and XI concerning area 7 describe work done in my laboratory. Chapter VIII describes microelectrode work on area 7 and covers both the work of my group and that of others working on this area. Chapters II and IV to VII are based on closely related anatomical, physiological and clinical studies performed by others, and Chapter XII is a personal attempt at a synthesis of the functions of the parietal lobe. Thus this monograph is neither a strict review of all important works on the parietal lobe nor is it limited only to my own studies and those of my collaborators. Instead it attempts to be a balanced ex position of both aspects promoting, hopefully, a synthetic view of the primate parietal lobe.

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."

State-of-the-art overview of the current thinking on parietal lobe functions. Covers specific areas of anatomy and the contributions of the parietal lobes to eye movements, reaching and grasping, attention and perception, and the representation of space.