Biology of Sensory Systems, Second Edition is a comprehensive and highly illustrated advanced text providing
a broad and invaluable overview of sensory systems in vertebrates, invertebrates and prokaryotes. The book addresses
the structure and function of these systems at the molecular, cellular and neurophysiological level. Completely
revised, the second edition retains a strong focus on human systems, and takes an evolutionary and comparative
approach to review the mechanosenses (touch, equilibrium and hearing), chemosenses (taste and smell), photosenses
(vision and photoreceptors), and other sensory systems including those for detecting pain, temperature electric
and magnetic fields.
Since the publication of the first edition in 2000, exciting advances have been made in all areas of research on
sensory systems. This second edition of Biology of Sensory Systems has been expanded to include all these advances
and more. The book contains:
New section(s) on genomics and sensory systems
New section(s) on the comparative anatomy of nerve and sensory systems
New section(s) on the role of synapses, neurotransmitters, reflex arcs etc.
New section on mirror neurons
More emphasis on molecular biology throughout, including an account of the TRP channels which lie at the root
of many senses. Many medical conditions can be traced to pathology at the molecular level.
Expanded section(s) on the chemosenses including updated passages on human gustation, in particular the location
of tongue gustatory receptors
Expanded section(s) on the human and animal auditory system and its diseases
Expanded section(s)on �minority senses� including recent work on the magnetic sense in migratory birds
Biology of Sensory Systems, Second Edition is written by a renowned author, with extensive teaching experience
in the biology of sensory systems. Each section of the book is followed by a set of self-assessment questions,
by notes on the literature and a bibliography. It is an invaluable text for undergraduate students of biology,
zoology, animal physiology, neuroscience, anatomy and physiological psychology. It is also of interest to postgraduates
in more specialised courses, medical students, optometrists, audiologists, neuropharmacologists and biochemists.