Outline of neuroscience

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is a multidisciplinary branch of biology that combines physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, developmental biology, cytology, mathematical modeling, and psychology to understand the fundamental and emergent properties of neurons and neural circuits.

History of Neuroscience

The study of the nervous system dates back to ancient Egypt. Evidence of trepanation, the surgical practice of either drilling or scraping a hole into the skull for the purpose of curing headaches or mental disorders, or relieving cranial pressure, being performed on patients dates back to Neolithic times and was described by Hippocrates. From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, the brain was thought to be the location of the soul.

Branches of Neuroscience

Neuroscience can be divided into several branches which deal with different aspects of the nervous system. These include:

• Cognitive neuroscience: The study of higher cognitive functions that exist in humans, and their underlying neural bases.
• Behavioral neuroscience: The application of the principles of biology to the study of physiological, genetic, and developmental mechanisms of behavior in humans and non-human animals.
• Molecular neuroscience: The study of the role of individual molecules in the nervous system.
• Neuroengineering: The use of engineering techniques to better understand, replace, repair, or improve neural systems.
• Neuroinformatics: The field that combines the study of neuroscience and informatics research to develop and apply advanced tools and approaches essential for a major understanding of the structure and function of the brain.

Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders are diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. In other words, the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles. These disorders include epilepsy, Alzheimer disease, other dementias, cerebrovascular diseases including stroke, migraine and other headache disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, neuroinfections, brain tumours, traumatic disorders of the nervous system due to head trauma, and neurological disorders as a result of malnutrition.

See Also

• Neurology
• Neurophysiology
• Neuropsychology
• Neuropharmacology
• Neuroendocrinology

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