Nowadays we hear a lot about the brain and the nervous system, terms such as neuroplasticity, brain waves, neurofeedback, stress, brain diets, psychoactive substances, etc. flying around. There is a host of articles on brain function and on the latest research in neurology. This lavishly illustrated volume helps to provide a comprehensive picture of how the brain works, which can then be used to help us understand and process the wealth of incoming information. Its chapters build on each other to give a multifaceted picture of how neurons work, for example:
– How the neuron, the basic unit of the gigantic network, functions.
– How the structure of the brain is shaped every minute by neuroplasticity.
– Why it is made up of half fat.
– How our body provides special treatment to this precious organ.
– How brain scanner devices work.
– What controls wake and sleep cycles and how this relates to the generation of brain waves.
– What makes us feel balanced and happy.
– What triggers the sense of danger and the stress response.
– What is the mechanism of action of different psychoactive substances and the dangers of their use.
– How relaxation and meditation exercises affect brain function.
– How the nervous system develops from embryonic age to the mid-twenties.
– What can be done to counteract the effects of ageing processes in the brain.
– What hereditary traits and external influences during development determine our fate.