Have you ever wondered how the brain is able to control so many important things in the human body? Or how the spinal cord is structured? This volume engrosses and engages reader in this fascinating topic in an easy-to-follow format that adds to the accessibility of this text. Graphic organizers, a body system diagram, and full-color photographs reinforce the science curriculum content contained in each fun fact. Even reluctant readers will marvel at all the amazing processes of the nervous system when explained through gross, unbelievable, and amusing tidbits on each page.
The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."
When talking about the digestive system, a few topics must be covered: vomit, the intestines, and poop! All readers can enjoy these and many more topics about the grossest of the body systems in this friendly, fun fact format. From the mouth and esophagus to the small and large intestine, readers take a journey through the human body via the digestive tract, and enjoy learning about processes the digestive system does without us even knowing. The bright images and labeled diagrams encourage body literacy and support science classroom learning.
Muscles do far more than help us lift heavy things off the ground. Muscles make the heart work well and move food through the stomach. They allow us to walk, swim, and even draw! In the fun fact file format, this book introduces readers to the most interesting aspects of the muscular system, including information from the science curriculum, through engaging and sometimes gross tidbits! Detailed diagrams and full-color photographs support each fascinating fact, guiding readers to better body literacy and understanding of this important body system.
Muscles do far more than help us lift heavy things off the ground. Muscles make the heart work well and move food through the stomach. They allow us to walk, swim, and even draw! In the fun fact file format, this book introduces readers to the most interesting aspects of the muscular system, including information from the science curriculum, through engaging and sometimes gross tidbits! Detailed diagrams and full-color photographs support each fascinating fact, guiding readers to better body literacy and understanding of this important body system.
Readers will bone up on their knowledge of the human body with this enlightening text about the skeletal system. The skeleton forms framework for the entire body. It protects the organs, stores minerals, and makes it possible for the body to move and function. Readers will study the parts of the skeletal system, learn about types of bones, and discover how the body changes over time. Useful diagrams help readers visualize abstract concepts, and attention-grabbing photographs enrich the comprehensive text.
When talking about the digestive system, a few topics must be covered: vomit, the intestines, and poop! All readers can enjoy these and many more topics about the grossest of the body systems in this friendly, fun fact format. From the mouth and esophagus to the small and large intestine, readers take a journey through the human body via the digestive tract, and enjoy learning about processes the digestive system does without us even knowing. The bright images and labeled diagrams encourage body literacy and support science classroom learning.
Oxygen is one of the most essential needs for life on Earth, and respiration is how living things use it. But there's a lot more going on in this seemingly simple process than you might think. The respiratory system is in some ways the most underappreciated of the body systems, since it works 24/7, mostly without being noticed, and never gets a single moment's rest. In this book, readers discover the most fascinating facts about respiration, the structure of the lungs, and even some of the seemingly gross processes that happen in their body!
The circulatory system doesn't just move blood around the body. It moves nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and electrolytes to exactly where they need to go, from the brain to the feet. Every body system relies on the network of veins, arteries, and capillaries throughout the body. While important, the circulatory system is also incredible interesting! Readers learn the basics of blood cells and blood vessels in fun, surprising, and even gross facts on each page. Diagrams and full-color photographs aid readers' understanding and provide a close encounter with parts of the body they may never see.
