Chapter 2 Neuroscience & Behavior Modified from: James A. McCubbin, PhD Clemson University Worth Publishers Myers’ EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGY (6th Ed)
Neuroscience & Behavior “If the human brain were so simple that we could understand it, we would be so simple that we couldn’t.” ~Emerson Pugh Biological Psychology Branch of psychology Explores links between biology & behavior
Neural Communication: Neuron (Nerve Cell) Action Potential
Neural Communication
Endorphins Natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters Linked to pain control & pleasure Drugs affect synaptic communication Agonists excite Antagonists inhibit
Neural Communication Neurotransmitter molecule Receiving cell membrane Receptor site on receiving neuron Agonist mimics neurotransmitter Antagonist blocks neurotransmitter
Nervous System Central (brain and spinal cord) Nervous system Autonomic (controls self-regulated action of internal organs and glands) Somatic (controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles) Sympathetic (arousing) Parasympathetic (calming) Peripheral
Types of Neurons Sensory Neurons (PNS) Carry incoming info from sense receptors to CNS Interneurons (CNS) CNS neurons that internally communicate & intervene between sensory inputs & motor outputs Motor Neurons (PNS) Carry outgoing info from CNS to muscles & glands
Nervous System Reflex Simple, automatic, inborn response to sensory stimuli Skin receptors Muscle Sensory neuron (incoming information) Motor neuron (outgoing information) Brain Interneuron Spinal cord
Brainstem & Thalamus
Cerebellum “Little brain” attached to rear of brainstem Helps coordinate voluntary movement & balance
Limbic System
Cerebral Cortex
Corpus callosum Corpus Callosum Large band of neural fibers Connects 2 brain hemispheres Carries messages between hemispheres
Association Areas More intelligent animals have increased “uncommitted” (association) areas of cortex
Brain Structures & Functions
Endocrine System Endocrine System Body’s “slow” chemical communication system Set of glands that secrete hormones into bloodstream