Nerve cells and nervous systems: an introduction to neuroscience

This document provided an extensive overview of neuroscience as understood in 1991, covering the structure and function of nerve cells and nervous systems. It detailed the anatomy and physiology of neurons, including the role of neuroglia, and explored the ionic mechanisms underlying nerve impulses and action potentials. The text also examined intercellular communication through electrical and chemical synapses, the release and action of neurotransmitters, and the integrative functions of neurons. Additionally, it discussed sensory and motor systems, their structural and functional organization, and the nervous system's role in homeostasis and behavior. The document concluded with insights into synapse formation, maintenance, plasticity, and the cellular mechanisms of learning and memory.