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Normal and abnormal development of the human nervous system
T H E
B O O K
S H E L F
Angelo M. DiGeorge, Editor
Book review
Normal and abnormal development of the human nervous system Ronald J. Lemire, M.D., John D. Loeser, M.D., Richard W. Leech, M.D., and Ellsworth C. Alvord, Jr., M.D., New York, 1975, Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., 421 pages, 251 illustrations. $27.50 (cloth binding). This informative volume represents the editorial efforts of four authors-a pediatrician, a neurosurgeon, and two neuropathologists. Their aim was to consolidate into one comprehensive text the widely scattered literature that pertained to normal and abnormal development of the human nervous system. In these cumulative efforts the authors successfully examine the various components related to normal embryogenesis, and then analyze diseases of the developing nervous system in terms of their possible causes and the critical time period during which the etiologic factors might result in abnormal development. Thus most chapters begin with a presentation of normal development and end with an analysis of abnormal development. In each chapter there is an expert blending of basic biologic information with human gestational age data that is uniquely presented in logarithmic time scales. Such material is then related to a variety of appropriate neural malformations, diseases, and tumors. The diagrams are clear and well labeled while the case material is carefully selected and illustrated. This well-conceived volume is organized into six major sections with two or more chapters in each section. Section 1 presents clearly the stages of neural embryogenesis and the essential functional-structural organization of the central nervous system (CNS). It concludes with a brief discussion of cellular kinetics and migrations, the myelination process, and growth patterns of the nervous system. Section 2 considers neural tube closure, tube formation, and the more frequently observed malformations. It includes pertinent information also on the ependyma, ventricular system, cerebrospinal fluid, and related abnormalities. Section 3 is comprised of two chapters that discuss segmental neural structures, namely, the brainstem and cranial nerves and the spinal cord and nerves. Section 4 is devoted to lucid consideration of such key suprasegmental structures as the cerebellum: colliculi: deep cerebral nuclei (diencephalic and basal ganglion nuclei): optic, olfactory, and limbic systems: forebrain cortex and white matter. Section 5 contains five succinct chapters that deal with the important structures that are so clinically associated with the definitive CNS. These include practical consideration of the skull, meninges, vertebrae, vasculature, and anterior pituitary. Section 6 is composed of three chapters that discuss congenital tumors of the nervous system; environmental agents that produce malformations; and CNS malformations in such specific
154
The Journal of P E D I A T R I C S Vol. 90, No. 1, pp 154-155
syndromes as chromosomal anomalies, mutant genes, and disorders of amino acid metabolism. This is a valuable sourcebook of practical information for all who have an abiding interest in the nervous system, be they basic scientists, pediatricians, or neurologically oriented physicians. It is a concise synthesis of current knowledge on normal and abnormal neural development. The book design will appeal to those who desire a serious review of the subject as well as those who enjoy interesting reading at a more leisurely pace. The index is complete and clear. It includes useful page references to appropriate illustrations and tables. Raymond C. Truex Temple School o f Medicine 3400 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19140
New books received Human Genetics, Vol. 16.10. Index issue Amsterdam, 1976, Excerpta Medica, 435 Pages. No price listed.
Advances in cardiology. Clinical application of current techniques and treatment in cardiology Edited by John H.K. Vogel, Basel, Switzerland, 1976, S Karger AG, 253 pages. $51.00 (approximate).
Proceedings-XVIth International Congress of Logopedics and phoniatrics Edited by E. Loebell, Basel, Switzerland, 1976, S Karger AG, 548 pages. $72.75 (approximate).
Child health. A collection of studies. Studies on medical and population subjects, No. 31 A.M. Adelstein, J.C. Barrett, P.C. Leighton, J.A.C. Weatherall, G.C. White, E.D. Alberman, J.W. Donovan, M.C. Pike, and R. Weatherall, London, 1976, Published by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, 106 pages. No price listed (paperback).
The abused child primer. A brief guide for identification, reporting procedures, and routes of rehabilitation Donald C. Phillips, M.D., Wenatchee. Wash., 1976, Published by Donald C. Phillips, 24 pages. $2.50. (paperback). Review of medical microbiology, ed. 12 E. Jawetz, J.l. Melnick. and E.A. Adelberg, Los Altos,
B O O K
S H E L F
Angelo M. DiGeorge, Editor
Book review
Normal and abnormal development of the human nervous system Ronald J. Lemire, M.D., John D. Loeser, M.D., Richard W. Leech, M.D., and Ellsworth C. Alvord, Jr., M.D., New York, 1975, Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., 421 pages, 251 illustrations. $27.50 (cloth binding). This informative volume represents the editorial efforts of four authors-a pediatrician, a neurosurgeon, and two neuropathologists. Their aim was to consolidate into one comprehensive text the widely scattered literature that pertained to normal and abnormal development of the human nervous system. In these cumulative efforts the authors successfully examine the various components related to normal embryogenesis, and then analyze diseases of the developing nervous system in terms of their possible causes and the critical time period during which the etiologic factors might result in abnormal development. Thus most chapters begin with a presentation of normal development and end with an analysis of abnormal development. In each chapter there is an expert blending of basic biologic information with human gestational age data that is uniquely presented in logarithmic time scales. Such material is then related to a variety of appropriate neural malformations, diseases, and tumors. The diagrams are clear and well labeled while the case material is carefully selected and illustrated. This well-conceived volume is organized into six major sections with two or more chapters in each section. Section 1 presents clearly the stages of neural embryogenesis and the essential functional-structural organization of the central nervous system (CNS). It concludes with a brief discussion of cellular kinetics and migrations, the myelination process, and growth patterns of the nervous system. Section 2 considers neural tube closure, tube formation, and the more frequently observed malformations. It includes pertinent information also on the ependyma, ventricular system, cerebrospinal fluid, and related abnormalities. Section 3 is comprised of two chapters that discuss segmental neural structures, namely, the brainstem and cranial nerves and the spinal cord and nerves. Section 4 is devoted to lucid consideration of such key suprasegmental structures as the cerebellum: colliculi: deep cerebral nuclei (diencephalic and basal ganglion nuclei): optic, olfactory, and limbic systems: forebrain cortex and white matter. Section 5 contains five succinct chapters that deal with the important structures that are so clinically associated with the definitive CNS. These include practical consideration of the skull, meninges, vertebrae, vasculature, and anterior pituitary. Section 6 is composed of three chapters that discuss congenital tumors of the nervous system; environmental agents that produce malformations; and CNS malformations in such specific
154
The Journal of P E D I A T R I C S Vol. 90, No. 1, pp 154-155
syndromes as chromosomal anomalies, mutant genes, and disorders of amino acid metabolism. This is a valuable sourcebook of practical information for all who have an abiding interest in the nervous system, be they basic scientists, pediatricians, or neurologically oriented physicians. It is a concise synthesis of current knowledge on normal and abnormal neural development. The book design will appeal to those who desire a serious review of the subject as well as those who enjoy interesting reading at a more leisurely pace. The index is complete and clear. It includes useful page references to appropriate illustrations and tables. Raymond C. Truex Temple School o f Medicine 3400 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19140
New books received Human Genetics, Vol. 16.10. Index issue Amsterdam, 1976, Excerpta Medica, 435 Pages. No price listed.
Advances in cardiology. Clinical application of current techniques and treatment in cardiology Edited by John H.K. Vogel, Basel, Switzerland, 1976, S Karger AG, 253 pages. $51.00 (approximate).
Proceedings-XVIth International Congress of Logopedics and phoniatrics Edited by E. Loebell, Basel, Switzerland, 1976, S Karger AG, 548 pages. $72.75 (approximate).
Child health. A collection of studies. Studies on medical and population subjects, No. 31 A.M. Adelstein, J.C. Barrett, P.C. Leighton, J.A.C. Weatherall, G.C. White, E.D. Alberman, J.W. Donovan, M.C. Pike, and R. Weatherall, London, 1976, Published by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, 106 pages. No price listed (paperback).
The abused child primer. A brief guide for identification, reporting procedures, and routes of rehabilitation Donald C. Phillips, M.D., Wenatchee. Wash., 1976, Published by Donald C. Phillips, 24 pages. $2.50. (paperback). Review of medical microbiology, ed. 12 E. Jawetz, J.l. Melnick. and E.A. Adelberg, Los Altos,