Introduction to Psychology: KCC Brain and Behavior

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Neuron and Its Parts Neuron: Individual nerve cell – Dendrites: Receive messages from other neurons – Soma: Cell body; body of the neuron – Axon: Fiber that carries information away from the cell body – Myelin (Sheath): Protects Axon – Axon Terminals: Branches that link the dendrites and somas of other neurons

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Figure 2.1 FIGURE 2.1 A neuron, or nerve cell. In the right foreground you can see a nerve cell fiber in cross section. The upper left photo gives a more realistic picture of the shape of neurons. Nerve impulses usually travel from the dendrites and soma to the branching ends of the axon. The nerve cell shown here is a motor neuron. The axons of motor neuron stretch from the brain and spinal cord to muscles or glands of the body.

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Synapses  Messages from one neuron to another pass over a microscopic gap called a synapse – Synapse: Microscopic gap between two neurons over which messages pass

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Figure 2.5 FIGURE 2.5 A highly magnified view of a synapse. Neurotransmitters are stored in tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles (VES-ihkels). When a nerve impulse reaches the end of an axon, the vesicles move to the surface and release neurotransmitters. These molecules cross the synaptic gap to affect the next neuron. The size of the gap is exaggerated here; it is actually only about one millionth of an inch. Some transmitter molecules excite the next neuron, and some inhibit its activity.

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Neurotransmitters Chemicals that alter activity in neurons; brain chemicals that carry messages. – Acetylcholine: Activates muscles – Dopamine: Muscle control – Serotonin: Mood and appetite control Receptor Site: Areas on the surface of neurons and other cells that are sensitive to neurotransmitters

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Nerves and Neurons Nerves: Large bundles of axons and dendrites (Not neurons) Myelin: Fatty layer of tissue that coats axons – Multiple Sclerosis (MS) occurs when myelin layer is destroyed; numbness, weakness, and paralysis occur Neurogenesis: Production of new brain cells

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Neural Networks Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord Peripheral Nervous System: All parts of the nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord – Somatic System: Links spinal cord with body and sense organs; controls voluntary behavior – Autonomic System: Serves internal organs and glands; controls automatic functions such as heart rate and blood pressure

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Figure 2.6 FIGURE 2.6 (a) Central and peripheral nervous systems. (b) Spinal nerves, cranial nerves, and the autonomic nervous system.

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Two Divisions of the Autonomic System Sympathetic: Arouses body; emergency system Parasympathetic: Quiets body; most active after an emotional event

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Figure 2.8 FIGURE 2.8 Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. Both branches control involuntary actions. The sympathetic system generally activates the body. The parasympathetic system generally quiets it. The sympathetic branch relays its messages through clusters of nerve cells outside the spinal cord.

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Figure 2.7 FIGURE 2.7 Subparts of the nervous system.

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Cerebral Cortex Definition: Outer layer of the cerebrum Cerebrum: Two large hemispheres that cover upper part of the brain Corticalization: Increase in size and wrinkling of the cortex Cerebral Hemispheres: Right and left halves of the cortex Corpus Callosum: Bundle of fibers connecting cerebral hemispheres

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Figure 2.19 FIGURE 2.19 Basic nerve pathways of vision. Notice that the left portion of each eye connects only to the left half of the brain; likewise, the right portion of each eye connects to the right brain. When the corpus callosum is cut, a “split brain” results. Then visual information can be sent to just one hemisphere by flashing it in the right or left visual field as the person stares straight ahead.

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Figure 2.22

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Subcortex Hindbrain (Brainstem) – Medulla: Connects brain with the spinal cord and controls vital life functions such as heart rate and breathing – Pons (Bridge): Acts as a bridge between medulla and other structures Influences sleep and arousal – Cerebellum: Located at base of brain Regulates posture, muscle tone, and muscular coordination

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Subcortex: Reticular Formation (RF) Lies inside medulla and brainstem – Associated with alertness, attention and some reflexes (breathing, coughing, sneezing, vomiting) Reticular Activating System (RAS): Part of RF that keeps the cortex active and alert Its alarm clock

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Figure 2.25 FIGURE 2.25 This simplified drawing shows the main structures of the human brain and describes some of their most important features. (You can use the color code in the foreground to identify which areas are part of the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.)

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Forebrain Structures are part of the Limbic System: System within forebrain closely linked to emotional response – Thalamus: Relays sensory information to the cortex; switchboard – Hypothalamus: Regulates emotional behaviors and motives (e.g., sex, hunger, rage, hormone release) – Amygdala: Associated with fear responses – Hippocampus: Associated with storing memories; helps us navigate through space

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Figure 2.26 FIGURE 2.26 Parts of the limbic system. Although only one side is shown here, the hippocampus and the amygdala extend out into the temporal lobes at each side of the brain. The limbic system is a sort of “primitive core” of the brain strongly associated with emotion.

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Endocrine System Glands that pour chemicals (hormones) directly into the bloodstream or lymph system – Pituitary Gland: Regulates growth via growth hormone Too little means person will be smaller than average – Hypopituitary Dwarfs: As adults, perfectly proportioned but tiny Too much leads to giantism – Excessive body growth

Introduction to Psychology: KCC Endocrine System Concluded Pineal Gland: Regulates body rhythms and sleep cycles. – Releases hormone melatonin, which responds to daily variations in light. Thyroid: In neck; regulates metabolism. – Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid; person tends to be thin, tense, excitable, nervous. – Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid; person tends to be inactive, sleepy, slow, obese.

Introduction to Psychology: KCC The Adrenal Glands Adrenals: Arouse body, regulate salt balance, adjust body to stress, regulate sexual functioning; located on top of kidneys – Releases epinephrine and norepinephrine (also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline) Epinephrine arouses body; is associated with fear Norepinephrine arouses body; is linked with anger

Introduction to Psychology: KCC  Parathyroid Glands – produces a hormone that increases blood and decreases bone calcium levels.  Thymus Gland – produces a hormone that stimulates the immune response in children.  Pancreas – produces hormones that control BSL (blood sugar level).  Ovaries – produces hormones that control female characteristics and menstrual cycle.  Testes – produces a hormone that control male characteristics and sperm production.