Contents


Preface

Neural connectivity is a topic that describes nerve cells in terms of their anatomical and functional connections. The term connectome refers to a comprehensive map of neural connections, like a wiring diagram of an organism's nervous system. Connectomics, the study of connectomes, can be applied to individual neurons and their synaptic connections, as well as to connections between neuronal

populations or to functional and structural connectivity of different brain regions. This book, *Connectivity and Functional Specialization in the Brain*, addresses neural

The chapters review novel findings related to neuroanatomy and cell biology, neurophysiology, neural plasticity, changes of connectivity in neurological disorders, and sensory system connectivity. The book provides the reader with an overview of the current state of the art of research of neural connectivity and focuses on the most important evidence-based developments in this area. Individual chapters focus on recent advances in specific areas of neural connectivity and in different brain regions. All chapters represent recent contributions to the rapidly developing

The book is divided into two sections, each containing three chapters. Section 1 covers "Cellular and Clinical Aspects of Neural Connectivity" and Section 2

Chapter One ("Cytokine Profile as a Marker of Cell Damage and Immune Dysfunction after Spinal Cord Injury"), written by G. Telegin, A. Chernov, N. Konovalov, A. Belogurov, I. Balmasova, and A. Gabibov, reviews experimental findings that investigate the role of key cytokines in the formation of a cellular response to trauma. In this case, trauma relates to spinal cord injury. The authors address the specific immunopathogenic interaction of the nervous and immune systems in the

In Chapter Two ("Blood–Brain Barrier Dysfunction in the Detrimental Brain Function"), Alejandro Gonzalez-Candia, Nicole K. Rogers, and Rodrigo L. Castillo debate the unique characteristics of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) as the interface of blood circulation and neural tissue. The authors discuss the existence of a neurovascular unit (NVU), which emphasizes that the dynamic BBB response to stressors requires coordinated interactions between various central nervous system cell types and structures. This chapter focuses on the structure and function of the BBB and

Chapter Three ("Physical and Cognitive Therapy (PCT) in Critically Ill Patient"), written by Heru Suwardianto, reviews the condition of critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who may have impaired physical and cognitive functions. The author aims to show that physical–cognitive therapy benefits physical and

contains chapters on "Consciousness and Neural Connectivity".

immediate and chronic post-traumatic periods.

how BBB breakdown causes detrimental brain function.

cognitive functions in critically ill patients in the ICU.

connectivity at these various scales in health and disease.

field of neural connectivity.
