1. Chapter 2 (A): Biological Bases of Behavior
A.P. Psychology

2. How are human thought and behavior affected by the following:
Essential Question
How are human thought and behavior affected by the following:
The Nervous System
The Endocrine System
The Brain
Genetics

3. Chapter 2 (A): The Neuron
A.P. Psychology

4. Do-Now (Discussion) What is Biological Psychology?
What parts of the body do Biological Psychologists primarily study?
In understanding psychology, why do you think it is important to understand biological processes?

5. Biological Psychology
A branch of Psychology concerned with the links between biology and behavior
Biological Psychologists:
Behavioral Neuroscientists
Neuropsychologists
Behavior Geneticists
Physiological Psychologists
Biopsychologists

6. Biological Psychology

7. The Neuron Neuron: Nerve cell
Basic building block of the nervous system

8. The Neuron Types of Neurons: Sensory Neurons: Motor Neurons:
Carry incoming information from sensory receptors to the brain/spinal cord
E.g. Perceiving something as “hot”
Motor Neurons:
Carry outgoing information from the brain/spinal cord to the muscles/glands
E.g. Clenching a fist
Interneurons:
Located within the brain/spinal cord
Communicate internally between sensory inputs and motor outputs
E.g. Reflexes

9. The Neuron
Provide an example of information that sensory neurons may transmit.
Provide an example of information that motor neurons may transmit.
Provide an example of information that interneurons may transmit.

10. Parts of the Neuron

11. The Firing of a Neuron
Neurons transmit messages when stimulated by our senses, or triggered by chemicals of other neurons
Resting Potential:
Fluid interior of axon: negatively charged ions
Fluid exterior of axon membrane: positively charged ions
Threshold:
Level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse (action potential)
Excitatory signals (accelerator) minus inhibitory signals (brakes) must reach minimum intensity
Action Potential:
Neural impulse
Depolarization occurs
Brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
“All-or-None” Response

12. The Firing of a Neuron

13. Review What is a neuron? Differentiate between the 3 types of neurons:
Sensory Neurons
Motor Neurons
Interneurons
Discuss the functions of the following parts of the neuron:
Dendrites
Axon
Myelin Sheath
Terminal Branches
What causes neurons to fire?

14. Homework
Research Study # 2: “More Experience = Bigger Brain” (Pgs )
Chapter 2 A Quiz: “The Neuron”