Development of the Nervous System

Development of the Nervous System, Fourth Edition provides an informative and up-to-date account of our present understanding of the basic principles of neural development as exemplified by key experiments and observations from past and recent times. This book reflects the advances made over the last few years, demonstrating their promise for both therapy and molecular understanding of one of the most complex processes in animal development. This information is critical for neuroscientists, developmental biologists, educators, and students at various stages of their career, providing a clear presentation of the frontiers of this exciting and medically important area of developmental biology.

The book includes a basic introduction to the relevant aspects of neural development, covering all the major topics that form the basis of a comprehensive, advanced undergraduate and graduate curriculum, including the patterning and growth of the nervous system, neuronal determination, axonal navigation and targeting, neuron survival and death, synapse formation and plasticity.

Provides broad coverage of concepts and experimental strategiesIncludes full color schematics and photographs of critical experimentsOutlines the molecular and genetic basis for most developmental eventsWritten at a level that is appropriate for advanced undergraduates and beyondIncludes designs of critical experiments that are easy to understand

1. Neural Induction
2. Polarity and Segmentation
3. Genesis and Migration
4. Generation of Neural Diversity
5. Wiring up the Brain: Axon Navigation
6. Differentiation
7. Naturally-Occurring Neuron Death
8. Synapse Formation
9. Refinement of Synaptic Connections
10. Behavioral Development