Welcome to Neuroscience Online, the Open-Access Neuroscience Electronic Textbook

This online, interactive courseware for the study of neuroscience is provided by current and former faculty of the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School.

Last Revision or Edit: 01 May 2025

Visit Neuroanatomy Online, our new open-access electronic laboratory designed to complement Neuroscience Online.

Section 1: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology

Introduction to Neurons and Neural Networks, John H. Byrne, Ph.D.
Chapter 1: Resting Potentials & Action Potentials, John H. Byrne, Ph.D.
Chapter 2: Ionic Mechanisms of Action Potentials, John H. Byrne, Ph.D.
Chapter 3: Propagation of Action Potentials, John H. Byrne, Ph.D.
Chapter 4: Synaptic Transmission at the Skeletal Neuromuscular Junction, John H. Byrne, Ph.D.
Chapter 5: Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release, John H. Byrne, Ph.D.
Chapter 6: Synaptic Transmission in the Central Nervous System, John H. Byrne, Ph.D.
Chapter 7: Synaptic Plasticity, John H. Byrne, Ph.D.
Chapter 8: Organization of Cell Types, Jack C. Waymire, Ph.D.
Chapter 9: Synapse Formation/Survival/Elimination, Andrew J. Bean, Ph.D.
Chapter 10: Transport and the Molecular Mechanism of Secretion, Jack C. Waymire, Ph.D.
Chapter 11: Acetylcholine Neurotransmission, Jack C. Waymire, Ph.D.
Chapter 12: Biogenic Amine Neurotransmitters, Jack C. Waymire, Ph.D.
Chapter 13: Amino Acid Neurotransmitters, M. Neal Waxham, Ph.D.
Chapter 14: Neuropeptides and Nitric Oxide, M. Neal Waxham, Ph.D.
Chapter 15: Genetics and Neuronal Disease, Andrew J. Bean, Ph.D.

Section 2: Sensory Systems

Chapter 1: Overview of the Nervous System, Nachum Dafny, Ph.D.
Chapter 2: Somatosensory Systems, Patrick Dougherty, Ph.D.
Chapter 3: Anatomy of the Spinal Cord, Nachum Dafny, Ph.D.
Chapter 4: Somatosensory Pathways, Patrick Dougherty, Ph.D.
Chapter 5: Somatosensory Processes, Patrick Dougherty, Ph.D.
Chapter 6: Pain Principles, Nachum Dafny, Ph.D.
Chapter 7: Pain Tracts and Sources, Nachum Dafny, Ph.D.
Chapter 8: Pain Modulation and Mechanisms, Nachum Dafny, Ph.D.
Chapter 9: Chemical Senses: Olfaction and Gustation, Max O. Hutchins, Ph.D.
Chapter 10: Vestibular System: Structure and Function, Lincoln Gray, Ph.D.
Chapter 11: Vestibular System: Pathways and Reflexes, Lincoln Gray, Ph.D.
Chapter 12: Auditory System: Structure and Function, Lincoln Gray, Ph.D.
Chapter 13: Auditory System: Pathways and Reflexes, Lincoln Gray, Ph.D.
Chapter 14: Visual Processing: Eye and Retina, Valentin Dragoi, Ph.D.
Chapter 15: Visual Processing: Cortical Pathways, Valentin Dragoi, Ph.D.

Section 3: Motor Systems

Chapter 1: Motor Units and Muscle Receptors, James Knierim, Ph.D.
Chapter 2: Spinal Reflexes and Descending Motor Pathways, James Knierim, Ph.D.
Chapter 3: Motor Cortex, James Knierim, Ph.D
Chapter 4: Basal Ganglia, James Knierim, Ph.D.
Chapter 5: Cerebellum, James Knierim, Ph.D.
Chapter 6: Disorders of the Motor System, James Knierim, Ph.D.
Chapter 7: Ocular Motor System, Valentin Dragoi, Ph.D.
Chapter 8: Ocular Motor Control, Valentin Dragoi, Ph.D.

Section 4: Homeostasis and Higher Brain Functions

Chapter 1: Hypothalamus: Structural Organization, Patrick Dougherty, Ph.D.
Chapter 2: Hypothalamic Control of Pituitary Hormones, Patrick Dougherty, Ph.D.
Chapter 3: Central Control of the Autonomic Nervous System & Thermoregulation, Patrick Dougherty, Ph.D.
Chapter 4: Central Control of Feeding Behavior, Patrick Dougherty, Ph.D.
Chapter 5: Limbic System: Hippocampus, Anthony Wright, Ph.D.
Chapter 6: Limbic System: Amygdala, Anthony Wright, Ph.D.
Chapter 7: Learning and Memory, John H. Byrne, Ph.D.
Chapter 8: Higher Cortical Functions: Language, Anthony Wright, Ph.D.
Chapter 9: Higher Cortical Functions: Association and Executive Processing, Anthony Wright, Ph.D.
Chapter 10: CNS Aging and Alzheimer's Disease, Jack Waymire, Ph.D.
Chapter 11: Blood Brain Barrier and Cerebral Metabolism, Pramod Dash, Ph.D.
Chapter 12: Neurotransmitter and Cell Death, Pramod Dash, Ph.D.