Main description:

A practical, reader-friendly guide for dental students on the neuroscience of the orofacial region

Understanding neural mechanisms that control orofacial pain, proper masticatory function, taste, speech, swallowing, and proprioceptive input to the temporomandibular joint and teeth is an important facet of dentistry. Neuroscience of Dentistry by renowned educators Barbara J. O'Kane and Laura C. Barritt provides foundational knowledge on these topics. The text integrates fundamental concepts of general neuroscience with vital information on neural mechanisms of the orofacial region and associated pain pathways.

The book is organized in two parts covering basic neuroscience and orofacial neuroscience. Part one is subdivided into four units on the central nervous system, brain and spinal cord gross anatomy, sensory systems, and motor systems. Part two features three units focused on orofacial structures and tissues, dental structures, and orofacial pain and anesthesia. Each generously illustrated, succinctly written, and consistently formatted chapter includes an introductory overview and learning objectives.

Key Highlights

Throughout the book, relevant clinical correlations emphasize the relationship between basic neuroscience and clinical practice
Concise, high-yield illustrations, schematics, charts, and tables enhance understanding of general and orofacial neuroanatomy concepts
Helpful overviews at the beginning of each chapter highlight key concepts
National board style questions at the end of each chapter emphasize board-relevant information that enables self-study

This is a must-have resource for dental students taking neuroscience during their first or second year of dental school. It will also benefit other health science and dental hygiene students, as well as oral and maxillofacial surgery residents.

This book includes complimentary access to a digital copy on https://medone.thieme.com.

Contents:

Part A Basic Neuroscience

Unit I Central Nervous System

1 Organization of the Nervous System

2 Development of the Nervous System

3 Neurohistology

4 Neurophysiology

Unit II Gross Anatomy of Brain and Spinal Cord

5 Gross Topography of the Brain

6 Blood Supply of the Brain

7 Ventricles and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

8 The Meninges

9 Cranial Nerves

10 Gross Anatomy of the Spinal Cord

Unit III Sensory Systems

11 Anatomical Receptors and Nerve Fibers

12 Somatosensory Systems Part I-Somatosensory Pathways of Body

13 Somatosensory Systems Part II-Somatosensory Pathways of Head

14 Pain

15 Special Senses

Unit IV Motor Systems

16 Direct Activation Pathways

17 Indirect Activation Pathways

18 Integrated Systems

Part B Orofacial Neuroscience

Unit V Review of Orofacial Structures and Tissues

19 Development and Organization of Oropharyngeal Region

20 Overview of Orofacial Pathways Part I-Trigeminal and Facial Nerves

21 Overview of Orofacial Pathways Part II-Glossopharyngeal, Vagus, and Hypoglossal Nerves

22 Neuromuscular Control of Mastication, Swallowing, and Speech

Unit VI Dental-Related Structures

23 Temporomandibular Joint

24 Salivary Glands

25 Teeth

Unit VII Orofacial Pain and Dental Anesthesia

26 Orofacial Pain

27 Local Anesthesia: Intraoral Injections

Appendix: Compilation of Muscles Involved in Chapter 22