Our wired nerves : the human nerve connectome

The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It is made up of two major divisions: the central nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system. This consists of all other neural elements, including the peripheral nerves and the autonomic nerves. Peripheral nerves are the essential connections between the brain and spinal cord and the body. Without nerves there is no movement or sensation. __Our Wired Nerves: The Human Nerve Connectome,__ reviews the essential anatomy and physiology of the peripheral nerve. It introduces the reader to what neuropathies are, how pain arises from damaged nerves and how nerves might be regenerated, including new and exciting ideas over how to coax their regrowth. Written by Dr. Douglas Zochodne leading expert in the field, and first book to focus on the Peripheral nerves it will surely be an essential reference for researchers and clinicians alike. Cover OUR WIRED NERVES The Human Nerve Connectome Copyright Author’s biography Preface Acknowledgments Abbreviations Introduction The body brain connection: A fully infiltrated body Elegant wiring: Structural beauty of the peripheral nervous system How are nerves structured Nodes of excitability Biology bites Sockets and interfaces: Nerve terminals Wired for muscle movement Biology bites Infiltrated for sensation Biology bites Neglected autonomic axons Biology bites Constantly think physiology: Structure meets function Remarkable conduits Action potentials: How the connectome is activated Action potentials out of control: Fasciculations, pain and other troubles Other things move within axons: Axoplasmic transport Do I have good reflexes—What are these? Nerves and muscles: The motor units Movement and Walking: putting your nerves out there Exquisite sensation Considering taste Sensory nerves, not just bystanders Irreversible events: How nerves are injured Why don’t we hear about these? What kinds of nerve injuries are there? If a nerve injury occurs, this is the type you might prefer Nerve damage that does not recover well Nerve damage that rarely recovers Are there nerves? How to test the peripheral nervous system The neurological examination: Honed classicism Diagnostic shocks and needles Imaging portions of nerves Chop it out: Biopsy of a nerve Detective work: What blood can tell us about nerves What are neuropathies? Mononeuropathies in humans: Intense pain and disability What are polyneuropathies: Curious, common and various? Diabetes mellitus and nerves More types of diabetic nerve damage Curing diabetic neuropathy in rodents Polyneuropathies with inflammation Leprosy Guillain-Barré syndrome CIDP Bolton’s neuropathy (critical illness polyneuropathy) Other “acquired” polyneuropathies Polyneuropathies you inherit Locked in The disrupted connectome and pain Hope and change: Regrowth of nerves The adult nervous system is remodelling First clean the mess Take my hand: Growth cones that lead the axon What does snake venom and mouse salivation have to do with nerves? Playing with fire: Inflammation and damaged nerves Neuron HQ central and damaged axons Are there new neurons? What is collateral sprouting Persuading neurons not to be boring Behaving like a baby: Developmental molecules for regeneration Making new nerves: Summarizing the steps Clinics and biology: Nerve heroes and the Peripheral Nerve Society Conclusions References Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z Back Cover "Our wired nerves: the human nerve connectome reviews the unique and fascinating anatomy and physiology of the peripheral nerves and their axons. It also introduces the reader to what neuropathies are, how pain arises from damaged nerves, and how nerves might be regenerated, including new and exciting ideas over how to coax their regrowth"--Publisher