Brain and Behavior

Neuron and Its Parts

Neuron: Individual nerve cell
Dendrites: Receive messages from other

Figure 2.1

The Nerve Impulse

Resting Potential: Electrical charge of an inactive neuron
Threshold: Trigger

Figure 2.2

Figure 2.4

FIGURE 2.4 The interior of an axon. The right end

Figure 2.3

Synapses

Messages from one neuron to another pass over a microscopic gap

Neurotransmitters
Chemicals in the brain that alter activity in neurons
• Receptor Site: Areas

Neurotransmitters and Behavior

Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a condition in which the

Neural Regulators

Neuropeptides: Regulate activity of other neurons
Enkephalins: Relieve pain and stress;

Why does the communication between neurons have to be both an

Nerves and Neurons

Nerves: Large bundles of axons and dendrites
Myelin: Fatty

Neural Networks

Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System:

Figure 2.6

Two Divisions of the Autonomic System

Sympathetic: Arouses body; emergency system
Parasympathetic:

Figure 2.8

Two Divisions of the Autonomic System

The Spinal Cord

Spinal Nerves: 31 of them; carry sensory and motor

Figure 2.7

FIGURE 2.7 Subparts of the nervous system.

Figure 2.9

Researching the Brain

Ablation: Surgical removal of parts of the brain.
Deep Lesioning:

Figure 2.10

FIGURE 2.10 The functions of brain structures are explored by

Researching the Brain (cont'd)

Computed Tomographic Scanning (CT): Computer-enhanced X-ray image of

Definition: Outer layer of the cerebrum
Cerebrum: Two large hemispheres that

Hemispheric specialization Some cortical functions are localized to a particular hemisphere of

Hemispheric Specialization

Figure 2.21

Split Brains

How do we test only one side of the brain?
Corpus

Figure 2.19

Figure 2.20

Central Cortex Lobes

As discussed, the cerebral cortex can be divided into

Figure 2.22

Which lobe is damaged if…..

A person is unable to feel or

Figure 2.23

Space Allocation in the somatosensory cortex

When the Brain Fails to Function Properly

Association Cortex: Combine and process

Figure 2.18

When the Brain Fails to Function Properly (cont'd)

Broca’s Area: Related to

Figure 2.25

Subcortex

Hindbrain (Brainstem)
Medulla: Connects brain with the spinal cord and controls vital

Subcortex: Reticular Formation (RF)

Lies inside medulla and brainstem
Associated with alertness, attention

Forebrain

Structures are part of Limbic System: System within forebrain closely linked

Figure 2.26

FIGURE 2.26 Parts of the limbic system. Although only one

Endocrine System

Glands that pour chemicals (hormones) directly into the bloodstream or

Endocrine System (cont'd)

Acromegaly: Enlargement of arms, hands, feet, and facial bones
Too

Endocrine System Concluded

Pineal Gland: Regulates body rhythms and sleep cycles.
Releases hormone

Figure 2.27

The Adrenal Glands

Adrenals: Arouse body, regulate salt balance, adjust body

The Adrenal Glands (cont'd)

Adrenal Medulla: Source of epinephrine and norepinephrine
Adrenal Cortex:

Handedness

Preference for right or left hand
Dominant Hemisphere: Applies to side of