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Neuroscience and Behavior Introduction (Synaptic transmission (Action…
Neuroscience and Behavior Introduction
The Neuron
Nervous system
- cells, specialized for communication.
Glial Cells
- provide structural support and nutrition for neurons, remove waste, and produce the
myelin sheath
.
Types of neurons
:
Sensory neurons- Motor neurons- Interneurons.
Parts of a neuron
:
Cell body
- contains nucleus, provides energy. -
Dendrites
- receive information from other neurons. -
Axon
- sends information to other neurons.
Synaptic transmission
Action potentia
l- travels along axon of presynaptic neuron; triggers release of
neurotransmitters
from
synaptic vesicles
in the
axon terminals
.
An
agonist
produces the same effect as a neurotransmitters.
Important neurotransmitters:
: Acetylcholine
: Dopamine Serotonin Norepinephrine Glutamate GABA Endorphins
Neurotransmitters cross synaptic gaps and dock on correctly shaped receptor sites on postsynaptic neuron.
An
antagonist
blocks or decreases the effect of a neurotransmitter.
Excitatory message
: postsynaptic neuron more likely to activate and generate an action potential.
Inhibitory message
: postsynaptic neuron less likely to activate.
The Endocrine System
Communication through hormones released into the bloodstream
Important glands:
Pineal gland
Pancreas
Thyroid
Adrenal glands
Pituitary gland
Gonads: Ovaries (in women); Testes (In men)
The Nervous System
Communication occurs along nerves, which are bundles of axons.
Central nervous system
Brain
Spinal cord
Spinal reflexes occur without brain involvement.
Peripheral nervous system
Somatic nervous system
Autonomic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system
: Arouses and activates
parasympathetic nervous system
: Calms and conserves
The Brain
A complex, integrated, and dynamic system of interconnected neurons.
Capable of changing in response to environmental stimulation; characterized by:
Functional plasticity
: Capacity to shift functions from damaged to undamaged brain areas
Structural plasticity
: Capacity to change physical structure
Neurogenesis
: Capacity to develop new neurons through the lifespan
Brainstem
Hindbrain
: Connects spinal cord and brain
Midbrain
: Preliminary processing of auditory and visual information
Pons:
Coordinates movement on left and right side of body.
Medulla
: Controls vital life functions.
Cerebellum
: Coordinates movements, balance, and posture.
Reticular formation
: Regulates attention, alertness, and sleep
Substantia nigra
: Cluster of dopamine-producing neurons involved in movement.
Forebrain
Cerebral cortex
: Wrinkled, outer portion of forebrain Divided into two
cerebral hemispheres,
connected by
corpus callosum.
Limbic system:
Structures beneath the cerebral cortex.
Temporal lobe:
Primary auditory cortex; processes auditory information.
Frontal lobe
: primary motor cortex; controls voluntary movement.
Occipital lobe
: Primary visual cortex; processes visual information.
Parietal lobe
: Somatosensory cortex; processes touch and other body information.
Hippocampus
: Memory.
Thalamus
: Relays sensory information; awareness and attention.
Hypothalamus
: Links brain and endocrine system; hunger, thirst,sleep, sexual behavior.
Amygdala:
Emotional responses and memory.
Specialization in the Cerebral Hemispheres
Paul Broca
(1824 - 1880).
Karl Wernicke
(1848 - 1905).
Provided evidence for
cortical localization
: functions localized in the brain; and
lateralization of function
: some functions processed by one side of brain.
Roger Sperry
(1913 - 1994).
Split-brain research.
Left cerebral hemisphere: language, especially grammar, writing,reading;arithmetic; verbal memory.
Right cerebral hemisphere;visual-spatial tasks,patterns, faces, emotional expression, music