neurophysiology

Neurophysiology is a branch of physiology and neuroscience concerned with the functions of the nervous system and their mechanisms. The term neurophysiology originates from the Greek word νεῦρον ("nerve") and physiology (which is, in turn, derived from the Greek φύσις, meaning "nature", and -λογία, meaning "knowledge"). Neurophysiology has applications in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of many neurological and psychiatric diseases. Neurophysiological techniques are also used by clinical neurophysiologists to diagnose and monitor patients with neurological diseases.

The field involves all levels of nervous system function, from molecules and cells to systems and whole organisms. Areas of study include: The electrochemical properties of neurons Function and regulation of proteins in neurons and glia Metabolic reactions relevant to neural function Cell signalling in the nervous system Neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity Neural circuitry at microscopic and macroscopic levels The impact of neural functions on cognition and behaviour Pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders