1. Neural and Hormonal Systems
Will Explain Why We FEEL……
Nervous
Strong
Sick
Pain

2. Biological Psychologists
Study the links between biological activity and psychological events
Study the connections between stress and disease, hunger and sex to name a few
Not a new idea- phrenology – the study of bumps on our head to determine our character and abilities WRONG!

3. It all Starts with the Neuron

4. Neuron Structure
Neurons do NOT touch each other- the space in between is call the synapse.

5. Types of Neurons Sensory Neurons (Afferent Neurons)
Take information from the senses to the brain.

6. Motor Neurons (Efferent Neurons)
Take information from brain to the rest of the body. Axons in motor neurons can be 4 feet long. Fun Fact: A giraffe has a neuron from its toe to neck is 15 feet long

7. Inter Neurons
Take messages from Sensory Neurons to other parts of the brain or to Motor Neurons. Found only in Spinal Column and brain

8. Neuron Video

9. How a Neuron Fires It is an electrochemical process
Electrical inside the neuron. Travels from the dendrite to the terminal buttons
Chemical travels between cells in the synapse(in the synapse in the form of a neurotransmitter). Electricity does not jump between the neurons
The firing is call Action Potential( electric message firing).

10. Steps of Action Potential
Dendrites receive neurotransmitter from another neuron across the synapse.
Reached its threshold- then fires based on the all-or-none response.
Terminal buttons turns electrical charge into chemical (neurotransmitter) and shoots message to next neuron across the synapse.

11. The All-or None Response
The idea that either the neuron fires or it does not- no part way firing.
Like a gun or a toilet flushing

12. How Neurons Communicate

14. Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers released by terminal buttons through the synapse.
Some neurons house more than one neurotransmitter. More than 1 neuron is present at any given synapse

15. Acetylcholine
The best understood NT. Plays a role in learning and memory. ACh is the messenger at every junction of a motor neuron & skeletal muscle. If Ach transmission is blocked like with anesthesia, muscles can’t contract
spider bite with venom can block
Receptor sites and paralyzes you
Botox works the same way
Lack of ACH has been linked to disease.
Alzheimer’s. 90% loss of Ach in brains of people with Alzheimer's

16. Dopamine Lack of dopamine is associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Its function is motor movement and alertness. large NT Associated with reward centers
Lack of dopamine is associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Overabundance in frontal lobes is associated with schizophrenia. Also unsociability and social anxiety. Cocaine, alcohol, heroin etc. release dopamine

17. Norepinephrine Brings nervous system into high alert
In the sympathetic nervous system
Increases heart rate and blood pressure
Our adrenal glands release it into the blood stream, along with its close relative epinephrine (aka adrenalin). It is also important for forming memories

18. Serotonin Function deals with mood control, hunger, sleep and arousal.
Too little serotonin has been linked to depression, OCD, Anger control & suicide.
Mimics LSD and ecstasy

19. Glutamate Most common NT- Toxic -Too much kills neurons
Important for memory
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) associated with an excess of Glutamate
Associated with Migraines
Found in cold meats, cheeses- MSG

20. Endorphins We become addicted to endorphin causing feelings.
Function deals with pain control and pleasure. Naturally occurring opiate. Structurally similar to opioids(morphine, opium)
We become addicted to endorphin causing feelings.

21. Substance P
The body’s pain neurotransmitter. This NT works in opposition with endorphins to regulate pain. Substance P signals the body it is in pain and then endorphins are triggered to inhibit the pain signal

22. Figure 3A.5 Neurotransmitter pathways Each of the brain’s differing chemical messengers has designated pathways where it operates, as shown here for serotonin and dopamine.
Carter, 1998
© 2011 by Worth Publishers

23. Neurotransmitters and the brain
If NT acts on the brainstem, it affects basic functions like breathing and heartbeat
If it acts in the midbrain, it affects functions like memory and emotion
If it acts on areas of the cortex, it affects higher functions like memory integration, problem solving and perception

24. Agonists and Antagonists

26. A Simplified Neural Network
Neurons that learn to work together as a team.

27. A Simple Reflex

28. The Nervous System

29. Divisions of the Nervous System

30. Sympathetic Nervous System
Flight or Fight Response

31. Did you know? Sensory neurons connect to the spinal cord in the back?
Motor neurons connect in the front of the spinal cord
So it is possible to lose feeling in lower portions of the body in a spinal injury but retain the ability to move if the spinal cord is not completely severed

33. The Endocrine System A system of glands that secrete hormones.
Similar to nervous system, except hormones work a lot slower than neurotransmitters.
Hormones
Neurotransmitters

34. The Major Endocrine Glands

35. Endocrine System Pituitary gland- the master gland
Adrenal – release epinephrine and norepinephrine ( flight or fight response)
Hormones affect heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar
Affect lingers after event
Need to create Homeostasis