Smith C.U.M. Biology of Sensory Systems

2nd Edition. — John Wiley & Sons, 2008. – 515 p.This book arises from the experience of teaching undergraduate classes in the biology of sensory systems over many years. It differs from the many other excellent texts in the subject in that, in addition to the neurobiology, it emphasizes evolution, molecular biology and the wider philosophical implications of the subject. Humans are not the only beings with sensory systems on the surface of this planet.
The study of sensory systems forms a bridge between the world of biophysics, molecular biology, neurophysiology and the world of cognitive science and psychology.Preliminaries.
Elements.
Membranes, Action Potentials, Synapses.
General Features of Sensory Systems.
Classification and Phylogeny.
Genes, Genomics and Neurosensory Systems.
Self Assessment.
Notes, References and Bibliography.
Mechanosensitivity.
Mechanosensitivity of Cell Membranes.
Kinaesthesia.
Touch.
Equilibrium and Hearing: The Uses of Hair Cells.
Cerebral Analysis.
Self Assessment.
Notes, References and Bibliography.
Chemosensitivity.
Chemosensitivity in Prokaryocytes.
Mammalian Chemo- Enteroreceptors.
Gustation.
Olfaction.
Self Assessment.
Notes, References and Bibliography.
Photosensitivity.
Invertebrate Vision.
The Human Eye.
The Retina.
Visual Pathways and Cortices.
Other Vertebrate Visual Systems.
Self Assessment.
Notes, References and Bibliography.
Other Senses.
Thermosensitivity.
Minority Senses.
Pain.
Self Assessment.
Notes, References and Bibliography.
CODA.
Summing Up.
Philosophical Postscript.
Self Assessment.
Notes, References and Bibliography.
Appendix: Some Techniques.