1. Chapter 2 Neuroscience & Behavior Modified from: James A. McCubbin, PhD Clemson University Worth Publishers Myers’ EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGY (6th Ed)

2. 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

3. Neural Communication: Neuron (Nerve Cell) Action Potential

4. Neural Communication

6.  Endorphins  Natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters  Linked to pain control & pleasure  Drugs affect synaptic communication  Agonists excite  Antagonists inhibit

7. Neural Communication Neurotransmitter molecule Receiving cell membrane Receptor site on receiving neuron Agonist mimics neurotransmitter Antagonist blocks neurotransmitter

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Brainstem & Thalamus

12. Cerebellum  “Little brain” attached to rear of brainstem  Helps coordinate voluntary movement & balance

13. Limbic System

14. Cerebral Cortex

15. Corpus callosum Corpus Callosum  Large band of neural fibers  Connects 2 brain hemispheres  Carries messages between hemispheres

16. Association Areas  More intelligent animals have increased “uncommitted” (association) areas of cortex

17. Brain Structures & Functions

18. Endocrine System  Endocrine System  Body’s “slow” chemical communication system  Set of glands that secrete hormones into bloodstream