The Brain and Behaviour-3
The Brain and Behaviour-3
The Brain and Behaviour-3
Behaviour
•Communication
•Nervous System
•The Brain
•Brain Functioning
•Genetics
•Evolutionary Psychology
Communication in
the Nervous System
The Neuron
-basic unit
-variety of shapes, sizes,
functions
Types of neurons
Sensory neurons – afferent
from the body to the brain
Motor neurons – efferent
from the brain to the body
Interneurons
connects sensory/motor activities
Glial cells
“glue” holding neurons in place
raw material for Myelin Sheath
Parts of the Neuron
Dendrites
receives signals from neighbouring cells
Cell Body
signals interpreted – sent on
Axon
extended part of neuron
where the nerve impulse travels
Axon Terminals
end points of the axon – connects to next cell
Myelin Sheath
white, insulating “jacket” on longer axons (for speed)
Neuronal Synapse
microscopically small space
between axon terminals and
(sending neuron)
receptor sites
(receiving neuron)
Neuronal Synapse
2 Types of Electrochemical Processes
1. Action Potential – activity within the neuron
Polarization of the axon
internal state – negatively charged
external state – positively charged
Depolarization
when stimulated, the axon builds to a threshold,
then fires
impulse is a constant strength: “all or none”
membrane has sodium “channels”
change causes positive ions to enter the axon
when internal charge is positive, channels close
axon returns to polarized state (refractory time)
Neuronal Synapse
2. Neurotransmitters – activity between
neurons
when action potential reaches the end of the
axon, neurotransmitters are released into the
synapse and bind to receptor sites in the next
neuron
reuptake - neurotransmitters return to the
sending neuron
post synaptic potential
excitatory - makes it easier to fire
inhibitory - makes it harder to fire
Neurotransmitters and
Behaviour
Acetylcholine
neuromuscular, memory
GABA
behaviour, anxiety
Serotonin
mood, sleep, activity level, appetite
Dopamine
movement, thought, emotion, pleasure
Norepinephrine
arousal, learning, memory, emotions, drives
Research on
Neurotransmitters
Serotonin - autism
Dopamine - Parkinson’s disease
Neuropeptides - pseudoneurotransmitters
Neuromodulators - wide range effects
Psychoparmacology
Agonists
facilitates action
Antagonist
opposes action