Hemispheric Specialisation in Animals and Humans

Hemispheric Specialisation in Animals and Humans

Author: Joël Fagot

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 9780863779640

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Functional cerebral specialization is a phenomenon of considerable relevance not only to those investigating normal brain function, but also to scientists who study and treat clinical populations. This special issue of "Laterality" brings together contributions from researchers studying human populations and those using animal models, and includes a discussion of the important issues in the field of lateralization of function. The papers address the origins of laterality and the nature of lateralized functions in various species, as well as relations among the different forms of lateralization. Included are such topics as lateralized memory processes, early experiential effects on laterality, the genetic basis of handedness, perceptual processing in the haptic or visual domain, and learning. Comparisons between human and non-human primate findings and the implications of these findings for our understanding of the phylogenetic basis of hemispheric specialization are also emphasized.; The papers are based on presentations at two symposia that took place in August 1996: "Issues in Laterality", held at the International Congress of Psychology in Montreal; and "Laterality and Hemispheric Specialization in Primates: Brain Behavior and Evolution", held at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, at the joint meetings of the "XVI Congress of the International Primatological Society" and the "XIX Conference of the American Society of Primatologists".


The Evolution of Hemispheric Specialization in Primates

The Evolution of Hemispheric Specialization in Primates

Author: William D. Hopkins

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2007-09-18

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 0080557805

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Hemispheric specialization, and lateralized sensory, cognitive or motor function of the left and right halves of the brain, commonly manifests in humans as right-handedness and left hemisphere specialization of language functions. Historically, this has been considered a hallmark of, and unique to, human evolution. Some theories propose that human right-handedness evolved in the context of language and speech while others that it was a product of the increasing motor demands associated with feeding or tool-use. In the past 20-25 years, there has been a plethora of research in animals on the topic of whether population-level asymmetries in behavioral processes or neuro-anatomical structures exist in animals, notably primates and people have begun to question the historical assumptions that hemispheric specialization is unique to humans. This book brings together various summary chapters on the expression of behavioral and neuro-anatomical asymmetries in primates. Several chapters summarize entire families of primates while others focus on genetic and non-genetic models of handedness in humans and how they can be tested in non-human primates. In addition, it makes explicit links between various theoretical models of the development of handedness in humans with the observed patterns of results in non-human primates. A second emphasis is on comparative studies of handedness in primates. There is now enough data in the literature across different species to present an evolutionary tree for the emergence of handedness (and perhaps other aspects of hemispheric specialization, such as neuro-anatomical asymmetries) and its relation to specific morphological and ecological adaptations in various primate species. * The first treatment of this important topic since 1998* Examines the tenet that lateralization and handedness is a uniquely human character through evidence from higer and lower primates and with reference to other vertebrates.* Advances our understanding of the occurrence, evolution and significance of lateralization and handedness effects.


Micro-, Meso- and Macro-Connectomics of the Brain

Micro-, Meso- and Macro-Connectomics of the Brain

Author: Henry Kennedy

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-03-10

Total Pages: 173

ISBN-13: 3319277774

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book has brought together leading investigators who work in the new arena of brain connectomics. This includes ‘macro-connectome’ efforts to comprehensively chart long-distance pathways and functional networks; ‘micro-connectome’ efforts to identify every neuron, axon, dendrite, synapse, and glial process within restricted brain regions; and ‘meso-connectome’ efforts to systematically map both local and long-distance connections using anatomical tracers. This book highlights cutting-edge methods that can accelerate progress in elucidating static ‘hard-wired’ circuits of the brain as well as dynamic interactions that are vital for brain function. The power of connectomic approaches in characterizing abnormal circuits in the many brain disorders that afflict humankind is considered. Experts in computational neuroscience and network theory provide perspectives needed for synthesizing across different scales in space and time. Altogether, this book provides an integrated view of the challenges and opportunities in deciphering brain circuits in health and disease.


The Parallel Brain

The Parallel Brain

Author: Eran Zaidel

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 582

ISBN-13: 9780262240444

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

An overview of the central role in cognitive neuroscience of the corpus callosum, the bands of tissue connecting the brain's two hemispheres.


Discovering the Brain

Discovering the Brain

Author: National Academy of Sciences

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1992-01-01

Total Pages: 195

ISBN-13: 0309045290

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

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."


Comparative Vertebrate Cognition

Comparative Vertebrate Cognition

Author: Lesley J. Rogers

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 393

ISBN-13: 1441989137

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book explores afresh the long-standing interest, and emphasis on, the `special' capacities of primates. Some of the recent discoveries of the higher cognitive abilities of other mammals and also birds challenge the concept that primates are special and even the view that the cognitive ability of apes is more advanced than that of nonprimate mammals and birds. It is therefore timely to ask whether primates are, in fact, special and to do so from a broad range of perspectives. Divided into five sections this book deals with topics about higher cognition and how it is manifested in different species, and also considers aspects of brain structure that might be associated with complex behavior.


Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior

Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior

Author: Jennifer Vonk

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2022-04-01

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9783319550640

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This encyclopedia, representing one of the most multi-disciplinary areas of research, is a comprehensive examination of the key areas in animal cognition and behavior. It will serve as a complementary resource to the handbooks and journals that have emerged in the last decade on this topic, and will be a useful resource for student and researcher alike. With comprehensive coverage of this field, key concepts will be explored. These include social cognition, prey and predator detection, habitat selection, mating and parenting, development, genetics, physiology, memory, learning and perception. Attention is also given to animal-human co-evolution and interaction, and animal welfare. All entries are under the purview of acknowledged experts in the field.


Fiber Pathways of the Brain

Fiber Pathways of the Brain

Author: Jeremy D. Schmahmann

Publisher: OUP USA

Published: 2009-02-11

Total Pages: 674

ISBN-13: 0195388267

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The text is enriched throughout by close attention to functional aspects of the anatomical observations."--Jacket.


The Physics of the Mind and Brain Disorders

The Physics of the Mind and Brain Disorders

Author: Ioan Opris

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-12-01

Total Pages: 782

ISBN-13: 3319296744

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book covers recent advances in the understanding of brain structure, function and disorders based on the fundamental principles of physics. It covers a broad range of physical phenomena occurring in the brain circuits for perception, cognition, emotion and action, representing the building blocks of the mind. It provides novel insights into the devastating brain disorders of the mind such as schizophrenia, dementia, autism, aging or addictions, as well as into the new devices for brain repair. The book is aimed at basic researchers in the fields of neuroscience, physics, biophysics and clinicians in the fields of neurology, neurosurgery, psychology, psychiatry.