From Neurons to Behaviour

This book starts by tackling the question of how neurons conduct signals by focusing on the properties of the neuronal membrane and the generation of nerve impulses or action potentials. It also describes how information is transmitted via synapses and how a variety of neurotransmitters facilitate this transmission. It goes on to deal with perception and control of movement. It provides an overview of the processing of signals by the eyes and the brain that allow us to recognize individuals, with a focus on face-recognition.It also investigates the movement of skeletal muscle by examining the relationship between joints, skeletal muscle and their sensory and motor innervation. It explores movement that is willed (i.e. voluntary) and as such, may occur in the absence of an external stimulus. The contribution of different parts of the brain in mediating willed movement is explored in some detail.