Dictionary > Neuroscience

Neuroscience

Definition
noun
The branch of science that deals with the nervous system, particularly structure, development, function, chemistry, pharmacology, and pathology of the nervous system
Supplement
Neuroscience is the science of the nervous system. It is concerned with the structure, development, function, chemistry, pharmacology, and pathology of the nervous system. Thus, it encompasses various fields such as anatomy, biochemistry, physics, physiology, medicine, molecular biology, and psychology. It also serves as a fundamental field to related disciplines such as neurobiology and neuroethics. Neurobiology deals with the disorders, diagnosis, and treatment associated with the nervous system. Neuroethics is concerned with the ethics involving neuroscience, e.g. the application of neuroscience technology in attempting to alter human behaviour.
An expert in this field is called a neuroscientist. The history of neuroscience dates back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. There were manuscripts (around 1700 BC) delineating brain damage. Hippocrates, a Greek physician, posited that the brain was the seat of intelligence apart from being associated with the senses (hearing, vision, touch, olfaction, etc.). Galen, a Roman physician, supported this thought when he observed that sustained damage to the brain led to mental disorders. Modern tools and technologies such as molecular biology, electrophysiology, and computational methods led to the advancement of the scientific study of the nervous system. Thus, advance studies came about and paved way to the following sub-fields:

Word origin: Greek neuron + science
Synonym(s):

  • neurobiology

See also:

  • nervous system
  • neurobiology
  • neuroscientist


  • You will also like...

    Chemical composition of the body
    Chemical Composition of the Body

    The body is comprised of different elements with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen as the major four. This tutorial..

    Regulation of Biological Systems
    Regulation of Biological Systems

    Regulation of Biological Systems tutorials are focused on the modulation of biological systems from cell to population l..

    Stem
    Stems

    Stems primarily provide plants structural support. This tutorial includes lectures on the external form of a woody twig ..

    Still freshwater and plants
    Still Freshwater & Plants

    Plants in lentic habitats have features not found in terrestrial plants. They acquired these features as they adapt to t..

    Growth and Plant Hormones
    Growth and Plant Hormones

    Plants, like animals, produce hormones to regulate plant activities, including growth. They need these hormones to respo..

    Structural depiction of catalase, an enzyme
    Protein Activity and Cellular Metabolism

    Proteins have a crucial role in various biological activities. Get to know how proteins are able to perform as enzymes, ..