Principles of Neural Science " (often referred to as ) is widely considered the "gold standard" or "bible" of neuroscience. Now in its 6th Edition

When searching for the "best" PDF version, prioritize editions that offer high-resolution diagrams and a functional table of contents.

Biología Celular y Molecular: Funcionamiento de las células nerviosas. Transmisión Sináptica: Comunicación entre neuronas. Percepción: Procesamiento de información sensorial. Movimiento: Mecanismos del control motor.

Conceptos centrales (lista con breve definición)

  • Neurona: célula excitable que transmite señales eléctricas.
  • Potencial de acción: impulso eléctrico que propaga información a lo largo del axón.
  • Sinapsis: unión funcional entre neuronas para la transmisión química o eléctrica.
  • Plasticidad sináptica: cambios duraderos en la eficacia sináptica (LTP/LTD).
  • Neurotransmisores: moléculas que median la comunicación sináptica (ej.: glutamato, GABA, dopamina).
  • Circuitos neuronales: redes que procesan información y generan comportamiento.
  1. Introduction to Neuroscience: The book begins with an overview of the history of neuroscience, the structure and function of neurons, and the organization of the nervous system.
  2. Neurotransmission and Synaptic Plasticity: This section covers the mechanisms of neurotransmission, including the release and reception of neurotransmitters, and the various forms of synaptic plasticity that underlie learning and memory.
  3. Sensory and Motor Systems: The authors provide a detailed description of the sensory and motor systems, including the visual, auditory, and somatosensory systems, as well as the motor systems that control movement.
  4. The Brain and Behavior: This section explores the neural basis of behavior, including emotion, motivation, and cognition.
  • Spanish 6th edition ("Principios de Neurociencia"): Available for a 180-day rental for roughly $60 USD.
  • Pros: Official text, fully searchable, highlighting, and note-taking synced across devices.
  • Cons: You cannot keep it forever; print limits apply.

Key Features of the Book

  • Comprehensive Scope: From the ionic basis of action potentials to consciousness and creativity.
  • Clinical Correlations: Bridges basic science with neurological disorders (Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia).
  • Visual Learning: Contains some of the best medical illustrations in the field (originally by Eric Kandel’s collaborators).

Nobel Pedigree: Lead editor Eric Kandel was awarded the 2000 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking research on the physiological basis of memory storage.