Clinical Application of Computer-Guided Implant Surgery
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: Rudy’s text is well-suited for the student of neuroscience and should also find an audience among constituents of peripheral fields such as pyschology or biology. The reader will be served well to have some familiarity with the underlying biochemistry, but an ample review of foundational material is provided. It manages to capture the breadth of the subject without becoming too dense.
This text provides nearly a full chapter of historical context in the introduction, with additional anecdotal details peppered throughout the remainder of the book; these make for an enjoyable read. Each scientific theory is supported by published experimental findings and case studies. The book strives to remain impartial in the presentation of controversial theories, providing scientific evidence and suggesting interpretations without imposing definitive conclusions when not warranted. Influential experiments and their results are described in detail and copiously illustrated.
The topic of memory is covered comprehensively from a neurobiologic perspective, encompassing the full hierarchy of the brain from molecules to complete neuroanatomical structures, under the overarching topics of synaptic plasticity, molecules and memory, and memory systems. While informed by psychological insights, the book makes clear the distinction between the approaches to understanding memory taken by psychologists and neurobiologists.
In Part I, the synapse is introduced as a foundational component of memory. The molecular underpinnings of synaptic plasticity are described. The central concepts of long-term potentiation and memory traces are examined, down to the minute details of relevant protein synthesis processes.
Part II elucidates how molecules contribute to memory formation, consolidation, and maintenance. In this section, we learn the role of the NMDA, AMPA, and glutamate receptors in memory formation; how the amygdala and hormones such as epinephrine and the glucocorticoids might modulate memory; and memory retrieval and reconsolidation theory.
The final part of the text moves up to the level of neural systems, focusing first on the role of the hippocampus in memory formation, segueing into the medial-temporal hippocampal system and the cortico-striatal systems. It covers Ribot's Law, episodic memory, theories of instrumental behavior (how outcomes may modify behavior), and closes by relating fear to memory phenomena.
The student or researcher who has made it their mission to understand how memory works will find this text a great resource in orienting them to the current thinking on this topic to date.
Source: Europe PMC (PubMed Central)
Author: Mary Germino
Institution: Yale University
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1502233364