Research Catalog

Title

Brain arousal and information theory : neural and genetic mechanisms / Donald Pfaff.

Author

Pfaff, Donald W., 1939-

Publication

Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Press, 2006.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

vi, 205 pages : illustrations; 25 cm

Summary

"Donald Pfaff argues that, beneath our mental functions and emotional dispositions, a primitive neuronal system governs arousal. Employing the simple but powerful framework of information theory, Pfaff revolutionizes our understanding of arousal systems in the brain. Applying his hypothesis to heightened states of arousal - sex and fear - Pfaff shows us how his theory opens new scientific approaches to understanding the structure of brain arousal. Brain Arousal and Information Theory challenges current thinking about cognition and behavior. Whether you subscribe to Pfaff's theory or not, this book will stimulate debate about the nature of arousal itself."--BOOK JACKET.

Subject

• Arousal (Physiology)
• Information theory
• Neurogenetics
• Neurophysiology
• Arousal > physiology
• Nerve Net > physiology
• Neurobiology

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 155-195) and index.

Contents

1. Toward a universal theory of brain arousal -- 2. Anatomy is not destiny, but a little neuroanatomy helps -- 3. Arousal is signaled by electrical discharges in a system of nerve cells -- 4. Autonomic nervous system changes supporting arousal ; the unity of the body -- 5. Genes whose neurochemical products support arousal -- 6. Heightened states of arousal : sex compared to fear -- 7. Major systems questions about brain arousal networks -- 8. Summary and practical importance : from biological mechanisms to health applications.

ISBN

0674019202 (cloth : alk. paper)

LCCN

2005046338

OCLC

• ocm60500877
• SCSB-5217173

Owning Institutions

Columbia University Libraries