Color Atlas and Textbook of Human Anatomy 3. [antikvár]

Foreword to 1st Edition of Volume 3 This volume provides not only an introduction to the basic structure of the nervous system but also a simple, short review of our present state of knowledge which has been so greatly increased during the last decades by the results of electron microscopy, histochemistry and electrophysiol-ogy. Although a strict morphologist may view the inclusion of electrophysiological findings with suspicion, so far as they help to explain the function of neural structures, or permit a topological classification of morphological organisation, they must be taken into account. Such studies are known as "electroanatomy" and form part of neuroanatomy. After reading this volume a medical student should be able to pass the first part of the medical examination and, perhaps, a true interest in this fascinating field will be aroused in some readers. It is hoped that the Latin nomenclature will not deter the nonmedical reader from gaining insight into the structure and function of the nervous system. Finally, professional colleagues will, I am sure, be able to spend many happy hours finding errors and mistakes which have inevitably been included in the first edition. It remains to express my thanks to those who have helped in this book: first and foremost Mr. Gerhard Spitzer, whose masterly draftmanship has made a decisive contribution to the success of the book. Then to all those colleagues who have helped with advice, encouragement and criticism, to Miss E. Klasmeier for her constant helpfulness, and to my wife who compiled the index. Finally I must express my obligations to the staff of the publishers without whose perseverance and patience this book would probably never have been finished. Frankfurt/Main, January 1976 Werner Kahle