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NEUROSCIENCE AND BEHAVIOR
Chapter 2
Structure of a Neuron
Neuron 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
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)
Con’t
The impulse (action potential) is a electrical charge that travels down axon Interior carries
negatively charged atoms
Exterior carries posititvely charged atoms
Neural Communication
When electrical impulses reach axon terminal, they release neurotransmitters These cross the
junction of neurons called the synapse
Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine 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
Opiate Drugs
Heroine/Morphine 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
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
Con’t
Sensory Neurons 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
The Brain
The Brainstem Medulla
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
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
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
The Brain
Cortexes Motor Cortex
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