Clinical Neuroscience for Communication Disorders: Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology

Second Edition

Margaret Lehman Blake, Jerry K. Hoepner

Details: 384 pages, Full Color, Hardcover, 8.5" x 11"

ISBN13: 978-1-63550-781-2

Release Date: 10/15/2025

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Available for purchase starting 09/16/2025

Print Book: $119.95
eBook: $119.95

About

Clinical Neuroscience for Communication Disorders: Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology, Second Edition offers a comprehensive and easy-to-understand introduction to neuroscience for undergraduates and beginning graduate students in the field of communication disorders.

Designed with student learning in mind, this textbook introduces the neurologic underpinnings of systems involved in communication (speech, language, cognition, and hearing) and swallowing, from the nervous system to the anatomy of the head and neck. A highly readable writing style makes abstract and complex material accessible to students and provides just the right amount of information to challenge yet not overwhelm students.

What sets this book apart is the extensive infusion of clinical application. Each chapter begins by tying the content to the everyday clinical applications for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and related professionals and includes clinical cases to illustrate neural functions. In addition to coverage of the main systems, this text contains chapters devoted to neuroplasticity, communication, and cognition to move beyond basic anatomy to the key principles of contemporary neuroscience and application of the concepts discussed. Additionally, explicit connections are drawn between cranial nerves, the oral mechanism examination, and clinical swallowing assessment. The clinical cases cover a variety of both pediatric and adult scenarios designed to highlight the interconnectedness of neural systems and the complexity of neurologically-based communication disorders. The cases span the breadth of clinical practice—developmental and acquired disorders, pediatric and adult cases, and disorders of speech, language, cognition, and hearing—and are cross-referenced with each of the other chapters for improved understanding.

New to the Second Edition

50 new and revised illustrations
Glossary of definitions and etymologies of the bolded words in the text
Learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter
New content on health disparities
Class activities for instructors
Learning packets and study guides for students

Key Features

More than 150 customized illustrations solidify connections between anatomy and physiology
Clinical cases throughout the text and expanded versions of the cases in a stand-alone chapter illustrate clinical relevance of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
Bolded keywords highlight foundational concepts and terminology
Boxes throughout the text offer an opportunity for applying learning through applications, exercises, glossaries of key terms, and clinical cases
End-of-chapter summaries provide an overview of the key concepts within the chapter in plain language
A bulleted list of key concepts concludes each chapter to reinforce learning outcomes
References and further reading augment student learning

PluralPlus Online Ancillaries

For instructors: PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, Image Bank, Activities/Exercises, Videos
For students: Study Guides, Activities/Exercises, Videos, Case Studies, Links to Related Resources

Contents

Preface: How to Use This Textbook
Acknowledgments
Reviewers of the First Edition
Dedication

Chapter 1. Overview of the Nervous System
Overview
Major Components
Organization of the Nervous System
   Organizational Systems
      Cytoarchitecture Organization
      Organization by Function
Terminology
Nervous System Cells
   Neurons
   Glial Cells
Structures and Landmarks
Lobes
      Frontal Lobes
      Parietal Lobes
      Temporal Lobes
      Occipital Lobes
   Subcortical Structures
      Basal Ganglia
      Thalamus
      Limbic System
   Cerebellum
   Brainstem
Summary
References

Chapter 2. Ventricular System: Cranium, Ventricles, and Meninges
Overview
Cranium, Cranial Vault, and Its Contents
Meningeal Layers
   Dura Mater
   Arachnoid Layer and Pia Mater
Ventricles
   Cerebrospinal Fluid Path and Functions
   Communication Through the Ventricular System
Disruptions to the Ventricular and Meningeal Systems
   Hydrocephalus
   Meningeal Damage
Summary
Additional Resources

Chapter 3. Neuron Anatomy and Physiology
Overview
Classification of Neurons
Neuronal Communication
   Big Picture Overview
   Membrane Potentials
Synaptic Transmission
   Action Potentials
   Myelinated Versus Unmyelinated Axons
   Synaptic Transmission
      Types of Neurotransmitters
      Neurotransmitter Recovery and Degradation
Creating Meaning From Binary Signals
   Patterns of Signals
   Source of Signals
   Region or Location
Conditions That Alter Synaptic Transmission
   Neurological Disorders and Diseases That Affect Synaptic Transmission
      Parkinson Disease
      Multiple Sclerosis
      Myasthenia Gravis
   Pharmacological Effects on Synaptic Transmission
      Blocking Effects
      Prolonging Effects
      Mimicking Effect
Summary
References and Additional Resources

Chapter 4. Neuroembryology
Overview
The Neural Tube
   Developmental (Embryological) Precursors
   Sulcus Limitans
   Lamina Terminalis (Precursor to the Corpus Callosum)
   Vesicles of the Neural Tube (Central Nervous System Precursors)
   Landmark Timelines
Telencephalon and C-Shaped Development
Disruptions to Development and Consequences
Summary
References and Additional Resources

Chapter 5. Diencephalon
Overview
Diencephalic Structures
   Thalamus
      Thalamic Nuclei
   Hypothalamus
   Optic Nerve and Optic Tract
   Subthalamus
   Epithalamus
   Pituitary Gland
Damage to the Diencephalon
Summary

Chapter 6. Somatosensory Systems
Overview
Somatosensory System Structures
   Sensory Receptors
      Mechanoreceptors
      Nociceptors
      Proprioceptive Sensory Receptors
Thalamic Nuclei
   Primary Somatosensory Cortex
   Cortical Association Areas
Sensory Pathways
   Dorsal Column–Medial Lemniscal Pathway
   Spinothalamic Tracts
   Spinocerebellar Tracts
Sensory Innervation
Damage to Somatosensory System Components
   Spinal Cord Damage
   Thalamic Damage
   Cortical Damage
Summary
Reference

Chapter 7. Visual System
Overview
The Eye
   Anterior Structures
   Posterior Structures: The Retina
   Visual Fields
Visual Pathway
Visual Cortex
   Dorsal Pathway
   Ventral Pathway
Damage to the Visual System
   Visual Field Cuts
   Cortical Damage
Summary

Chapter 8. Auditory and Vestibular Systems
Overview
Auditory System
   The Cochlea
      Converting Sound Waves Into Neural Signals
   Auditory Pathway
   Frequency and Intensity Coding in the Auditory System
   Localization of Sound
   Auditory Processing in the Cortex
   Hearing Impairment and Damage to the Auditory System
      Conductive Hearing Loss
      Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Vestibular System
   Vestibular Pathways
Summary
Reference

Chapter 9. Chemical Senses: Smell and Taste
Chemical Senses
Olfaction: The Sense of Smell
   Olfactory Pathway
   Impairments of Olfaction
Gustation: The Sense of Taste
   Gustatory Pathway
   Factors Influencing Taste Perception
   Impairments of Gustation
Summary
References
Resource

Chapter 10. Motor Systems
Overview
Motor System Structures
   Primary Motor Strip
   Premotor and Supplementary Motor Areas
   Basal Ganglia
   Cerebellum
Motor Pathways
   Pyramidal Tracts
      Cranial and Spinal Nerves
      Corticospinal Tracts
      Corticobulbar Tract
   Extrapyramidal Tracts
      Rubrospinal Tract
      Tectospinal Tract
      Vestibulospinal Tract
      Reticulospinal Tract
Motor Units and Muscle Innervation
Clinical Implications
   Motor Cortex
   Motor Pathways
   Neuromuscular Junction
   Basal Ganglia
   Cerebellum
Summary

Chapter 11. Cranial Nerves
Overview
   General Functions
Cranial Nerve Pathways
   Motor Pathways: Corticobulbar Tract
   Sensory Pathways
Cranial Nerves III, IV, and VI: Oculomotor, Trochlear, and Abducens
   Muscles of the Eye
   Oculomotor Nerve
   Trochlear Nerve
   Abducens Nerve
Cranial Nerve V: Trigeminal Nerve
Cranial Nerve VII: Facial Nerve
Cranial Nerve IX: Glossopharyngeal
Cranial Nerve X: Vagus Nerve
   Pharyngeal Branch of the Vagus
   Superior Laryngeal Nerve of the Vagus
   Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve of the Vagus
   Pharyngeal Plexus
Cranial Nerve XI: Spinal Accessory Nerve
Cranial Nerve XII: Hypoglossal Nerve
Integration of Cranial Nerve Functions
   Speech Production
   Swallowing
Clinical Implications: Examinations of Speech and Swallowing Mechanisms
   Cranial Nerve/Oral Mechanism Examination
      Smell and Taste
      Vision
      Extraocular Movements (CNs III, IV, and VI)
      Jaw Movements and Mastication (CN V)
      Facial Sensation (CN V)
      Muscles of Facial Expression and Oral Preparation (CN VII)
      Hearing (CN VIII)
      Velar Functions: Motor and Sensory (CNs V, IX, and X)
      Laryngeal Functions: Motor and Sensory (CN X)
      Spinal Accessory (CN XI)
      Lingual Motor Functions (CN XII With a Little Help From CN X)
      Lingual Sensation (CNs V and IX)
      Oral and Laryngeal Diadochokinetic Rate
   Evidence for the Oral Mechanism Examination
   Clinical Bedside Swallow Examination and Instrumental Assessment
Summary
Additional Resources

Chapter 12. Limbic System and Reticular Formation
Limbic System Structures and Functions
   Homeostasis
   Olfaction
   Memory
   Emotions
   Integrating Limbic Information
Reticular Formation and Reticular Activating System
Summary
References and Additional Resources

Chapter 13. Cerebrovascular System
Overview
Blood Supply and Functional Organization
Circle of Willis
Cerebral Blood Supply Distributions
Blood Supply to the Thalamus and Basal Ganglia
Blood Supply to the Cerebellum
Brainstem and Spinal Cord Distributions
   Midbrain
   Pons
   Medulla
   Spinal Cord
Blood–Brain Barrier
Disruptions to Blood Supply
Summary
References and Additional Resources

Chapter 14. Communication and Cognition
Overview
Common Developmental Disruptions
   Developmental Language Disorders
   Autism Spectrum Disorder
   Down Syndrome
   Fragile X Syndrome
Common Neurological Insults and Diseases
   Traumatic Brain Injury
  Degenerative Diseases and Tumors
   Communication
Language
Networks
Development
Lesions and Disorders
Cognition
Social Cognition
Networks
Development
Lesions and Disorders
Executive Functions
Networks
Development
Lesions and Disorders
Memory
Networks
Development
   Lesions and Disorders
Attention
Networks
Development
Lesions and Disorders
Summary
Additional Resources
References

Chapter 15. Neuroplasticity and Social Determinants of Health
Overview
Neural (Cellular) Plasticity
   The Chemistry of Early Long-Term Potentiation
   The Chemistry of Late Long-Term Potentiation
Behavioral Plasticity
  Intensity and Dosage
   Factors That Contribute to Participation
Functional Reactivation Versus Functional Reorganization
Social Determinants of Health
   Economic Stability
   Education Access and Quality
   Health Care Access and Quality
   Neighborhood and Built Environments
   Social and Community Context
   Interactions Between Types of Social Determinants of Health
Summary
References and Additional Resources

Chapter 16. Clinical Cases
Overview
Approach to Solving (Thinking Through) Cases
Section 1: Acquired Cases
   Case 16–1: 48-Year-Old Female With Traumatic Brain Injury
   Case 16–2: 32-Year-Old Male With Postural Headaches and Mixed Upper/Lower Motor Neuron Signs
   Case 16–3: 56-Year-Old Female With Progressive Onset of Dysphagia and Speech Impairments
   Case 16–4: 17-Year-Old Female With Traumatic Brain Injury
   Case 16–5: 63-Year-Old Male With Aphasia and Right Hemiparesis
   Case 16–6: 86-Year-Old Male With Insidious Onset of Cognitive–Communication Changes
   Case 16–7: 45-Year-Old Female With Acute Onset of Confusion and Language Impairment
   Case 16–8: 62-Year-Old Male With Acute Onset of Lethargy and Impaired Attention
   Case 16–9: 52-Year-Old With Acute Onset of “Slurred” Speech and “Drunken” Gait
   Case 16–10: 70-Year-Old Male With Acute Onset of Dysarthria, Vertigo, Nausea, and Double Vision
   Case 16–11: 22-Year-Old Male With Acute Onset of Weakness and Respiratory Distress
   Case 16–12: 62-Year-Old Female With Gradual Onset of Speech and Swallowing Impairments
   Case 16–13: 78-Year-Old Female With Gradual Onset of Speech and Gait Disturbances
   Case 16–14: 52-Year-Old Female With Declining Cognition, Speech, and Swallowing Function
   Case 16–15: 86-Year-Old Female With Memory and Swallowing Difficulties
   Case 16–16: 73-Year-Old Male With Right Facial and Tongue Atrophy
Section 2: Pediatric and Developmental Cases
   Case 16–17: 5-Year-Old Male With Shunt Malfunction
   Case 16–18: 4-Year-Old Male With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
   Case 16–19. 30-Year-Old Female With Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum
   Case 16–20: 11-Year-Old Male With Brainstem Tumor
   Case 16–21: 11-Year-Old Female With Traumatic Brain Injury
Case Question Answers
Reference

Appendix. Review of Head and Neck Anatomy
Review
Face
Facial Skeleton and Cranium
Facial Muscles
Velum
Tongue
Pharynx
Larynx
Neck

Glossary
Index

Authors

Margaret Lehman Blake

Margaret Lehman Blake, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at the University of Houston. Her research focuses on communication disorders associated with right hemisphere strokes, specifically apragmatism. She is an ASHA Fellow, co-creator of RightHemisphere.org, and a recipient of the UH Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Blake is the author of The Right Hemisphere and Disorders of Cognition and Communication: Theory and Clinical Practice and co-author of Acquired Neurogenic Communication Disorders: An Integrated Clinical Approach, both published by Plural Publishing.

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Jerry K. Hoepner

Jerry K. Hoepner, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a Professor in the Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences at the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire. His research focuses on cognitive-communication disorders following traumatic brain injuries, counseling and motivational interviewing, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Dr. Hoepner is an ASHA Fellow, as well as co-founder of Teaching & Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders and the ASHA SIG-20 for Counseling. He is a recipient of the University of Wisconsin System’s Regent’s Teaching Excellence Award and co-author of Acquired Neurogenic Communication Disorders: An Integrated Clinical Approach, published by Plural Publishing.

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Resources

Clinical Neuroscience for Communication Disorders: Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology, Second Edition comes with access to supplementary student and instructor resources on a PluralPlus companion website.

The companion website is located at: https://www.pluralpublishing.com/publication/cncd2e

STUDENTS:

The student resources include Study Guides, Activities/Exercises, Videos, Case Studies, and Links to Related Sources.

To access the student resources, you must register on the companion website and log in using the access code located in the front of your textbook.

INSTRUCTORS:

The instructor resources include PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, Image Bank, Activities/Exercises, and Videos. You will also have access to all of the student resources listed above.

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Tel: 866-758-7251 (toll free) or 858-492-1555

*Note for students: If you have purchased this textbook used or have rented it, your access code will not work if it was already redeemed by the original buyer of the book. Plural Publishing does not offer replacement access codes for used or rented textbooks.