Post on 16-Dec-2015
Biology and BehaviorThe Nervous System is our bodies “Blueprint”:
– It gathers & processes information– Responds to stimuli– Coordinates the workings of different cells– Regulates our internal functions
Nervous System is involved in psychological processes such as: - thought - movement - emotion - sensation
Nervous System: The Building Blocks• Neurons (nerve cells) are the
basic units of the nervous system• Location They run throughout
our whole body!• Purpose communicate with one
another by sending & receiving messages from the structures of our body
Held in place & fed by Glial Cells: - provide nutrition, support, & insulation to neurons
Nervous System: The Building Blocks
• Types of Neurons:– Motor send information
onward to control muscles– Sensory bring senses in
from other senses– Associative provide links
between neurons
Structure of a Neuron
• Cell Body (Soma): directs actions of the cell• Nucleus: contains genetic material for the cell• Dendrites: enables neuron to receive information• Axon: carry electrical signals (messages) out of the cells, sends a
chemical message to adjacent neurons via Axon/Terminals• Myelin: insulates & protects Axons w/a fatty substance
Nervous System: Communication
• The Process of Communication:– In order for message to be sent from
one neuron to another… must cross a Synapse
junction between dendrites via Axon Terminals (where communication takes place)
• Neurons send messages across synapses (junctions) by releasing… Neurotransmitters chemicals
stored in sacs in the axon terminals (look like “buttons”)
Nervous System: Communication
Types:
Fives Main Types of Neurotransmitters:
Nervous System: Communication
Serotonin – affects mood, sleep, sensory perception, and other functions, may play a role in psychological disorders like depression
Acetylcholine – involved in memory, muscle action, sleep, emotions, those w/ Alzheimer’s have lower levels
Dopamine – affects movement, attention, memory, learning, plays role in addiction
Norepinephrine – affects learning, memory, emotions, eating, alertness, etc.
Epinephrine – emotions, memory storage
Nervous System: Two Main Parts
Part 1: Central Nervous System– Consist of brain & spinal cord– Function receives, processes,
interprets, and stores sensory information
Responsible for Spinal Reflexes: - automatic & require no conscious effort - Ex: touch something hot and immediately remove hand
Nervous System: Two Main PartsPart II: Peripheral Nervous System– Consist of all parts of the nervous system
outside the brain and spinal cord– Function handles the central nervous system’s input & output
Sensory Nerves: - carry messages from receptors to brain
Motor Nerves: - carry messages from CNS to muscles, glands, and internal organs PNS has two branches……
Somatic Nervous System– Controls skeletal muscles– Permits voluntary actions
Autonomic Nervous System– Regulates body’s vital functions
(blood vessels, internal organs)– Permits self-regulating actions– Has two divisions: