Chapter 2 Neuroscience

& Behavior

Modified from:James A. McCubbin, PhD

Clemson University

Worth Publishers

Myers’ EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGY (6th Ed)

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

Neural Communication: Neuron (Nerve Cell)

Action Potential

Neural Communication

Neural Communication

Neural Communication

Endorphins Natural, opiate-like

neurotransmitters Linked to pain control & pleasure

Drugs affect synaptic communication Agonists excite Antagonists inhibit

Neural Communication

Neurotransmitter molecule

Receiving cellmembrane

Receptor site onreceiving neuron

Agonist mimicsneurotransmitter

Antagonistblocksneurotransmitter

Nervous System

Central(brain and

spinal cord)

Nervoussystem

Autonomic (controlsself-regulated action of

internal organs and glands)

Somatic (controlsvoluntary movements of

skeletal muscles)

Sympathetic (arousing)

Parasympathetic (calming)

Peripheral

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

Nervous System Reflex

Simple, automatic, inborn response to sensory stimuli

Skinreceptors

Muscle

Sensory neuron(incoming information)

Motor neuron(outgoing information)

Brain

Interneuron

Spinal cord

Brainstem & Thalamus

Cerebellum

“Little brain” attached to rear of brainstem

Helps coordinate voluntary movement & balance

Limbic System

Cerebral Cortex

Corpus callosum

Corpus Callosum

Large band of neural fibers

Connects 2 brain hemispheres

Carries messages between hemispheres

Association Areas More intelligent animals have increased

“uncommitted” (association) areas of cortex

Brain Structures & Functions

Endocrine System

Endocrine System Body’s “slow”

chemical communication system

Set of glands that secrete hormones into bloodstream