1. Neuroscience and Behavior
Chapter 2

3. Structure of a Neuron Neuron Dendrites Axons Myelin Sheath
Consists of a cell body and branching fibers
Dendrites
Receive information from sensory receptors or other neurons
Axons
Pass that information to other neurons
Myelin Sheath
Insulates fibers of some neurons and helps speed impulses

4. Con’t A neural impulse fires when stimulated
Pressure, heat, light, or messages from other neurons
Received signals trigger only if the signals exceed the minimum intensity (threshold)

5. Con’t
The impulse (action potential) is a electrical charge that travels down axon
Interior carries negatively charged atoms
Exterior carries posititvely charged atoms

6. Neural Communication
When electrical impulses reach axon terminal, they release neurotransmitters
These cross the junction of neurons called the synapse

7. Neurotransmitters Acetylcholine Endorphines
Location: Junction between motor neuron and skeletal muscle
Function: Causes muscles to contract
Endorphines
What: Natural Opiates
Function: Released in response to pain and exercise
Example: Runners High

8. Opiate Drugs Heroine/Morphine Therapeutic drugs
Simulated opiates that flood the brain
Withdraw results in pain until the brain is able to kick start natural opiates
Therapeutic drugs
Agonists: mimic natural neurotransmitters
Antagonist: block neurotranstmitter effects

10. The Nervous System
The communication of neurons with our primary system make sup the nervous system
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Links CNS to body’s sense receptors, muscles, and glands

11. Con’t Sensory Neurons Interneurons Motor Neurons Reflexes
Send info to the brain
Interneurons
Process the information
Motor Neurons
Carry info from brain from CNS to body
Reflexes
Our automatic response to stimuli

12. The Brain The Brainstem Medulla Reticular Formation Thamlamus
Controls heartbeat and breathing
Reticular Formation
Controls arousal
Thamlamus
Recieves sensory information (except smellI
Sends it to correct places in brain
Cerebellum
Coordinates muscle movement

14. The Brain Limbic System: Linked to memory, emotions, and drives
Hippocampus
Processes memory for storage
Amygdala
Influences aggression and fear
Hypothalamus
Bodily maintenance and pleasurable rewards
Major link to nervous and endocrine systems via pituitary gland

15. The Brain
Cerebral Cortex thin sheet of cells composed of billions of nerve cells
Glial Cell
Support and nourish nerve cells
The brain is divided into two hemispheres with four geographic lobes
Frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal

16. The Brain Cortexes Motor Cortex Sensory Cortex Occipital Lobes
Rear of frontal lobes
Controls voluntary muscle movement
Sensory Cortex
Front of parietal lobes
Process body sensations
Occipital Lobes
Back of head
Receive info from eyes
Temporal Lobes
Auditory area
Recieves info from ears