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...

    Non-Mendelian Inheritance
    Non-Mendelian Inheritance

    In this tutorial, find out more about certain types of inheritance that does not follow the Mendelian inheritance patter..

    Ecological Research Measuring & Analysis
    Ecological Research: Measuring & Analysis

    This lesson is about the methods used for ecological research, such as quadrat and transect sampling, canopy fogging, an..

    squirrel
    Animal Water Regulation

    Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

    Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung
    Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung

    In this tutorial, the works of Carl Gustav Jung and Sigmund Freud are described. Both of them actively pursued the way h..

    Lotic community of algal species
    Lotic Communities & Algae

    Lotic communities have conditions that are rather harsh for typical plants. Thus, the diversity of plant species in loti..

    An artistic depiction of a human embryo
    Growth and Development of a Human Baby

    Upon fertilization, a zygote forms and develops into an embryo. This tutorial elaborates on the growth and development f..