DOI: 10.1097/01.wno.0000190071.06611.b0
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Issn Print: 1070-8022
Publication Date: 2005/12/01
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Excerpt
Per Brodal MD, PhD. Oxford, United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 2004. ISBN 0-19-516560-8, $79.95.
Scope: This is a single-authored textbook on the anatomy and function of the nervous system with an emphasis on clinically relevant anatomy, development, neurophysiology, and neurochemistry. It is replete with black-and-white photographs and red, pink, black, and gray diagrams that beautifully illustrate anatomic points and relationships. The first part of the book is organized in terms of cellular elements, functional properties of neurons, parts of the nervous system, development, aging, and plasticity. The second part is organized by system (sensory, motor, brain stem, auditory, limbic, and cortical). In addition to the basic text, there are shaded boxes with more in-depth commentary. The reader can use the text as a basic clinical textbook, as a topic review, or as a reference book.
Strengths: The book is cohesive and emphasizes clinically relevant points of anatomy and physiology. It is written in a wonderfully accessible style, which makes it an attractive book to read in its entirety. Other basic neuroanatomy textbooks do not really come close to it in terms of its discussion of clinical correlations and functionality in the nervous system.
Weaknesses: There is very little discussion of glial elements and their role in the functioning of the nervous system. In comparison to the three editions of this book authored by the author's father, there is less emphasis on comparative anatomy and historical descriptions and fine detailed cellular anatomy so prominent in the last century.
Recommended Audience: The book is appropriate for medical students, neurology residents, and psychologists and physical therapists studying the anatomy and organization of the nervous system. It would also be useful for teachers of neuroanatomy as a reference text and for the quality of its plentiful diagrams and charts.
Critical Appraisal: All of the good features of Brodal senior's editions have been carried on in this edition authored by his son. Moreover, the book is brought into a more modern era with a very strong overview and organization.
