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Module II: Brain and Behaviour

Neuron and Its Parts

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Neuron: Individual nerve cell Dendrites: Receive messages from other neurons Soma: Cell body; body of the neuron Axon: Fiber that carries information away from the cell body Axon Terminals: Branches that link the dendrites and somas of other neurons

Figure 2.1

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FIGURE 2.1 A neuron, or nerve cell. In the right foreground you can see a nerve cell fiber in cross section. The upper left photo gives a more realistic picture of the shape of neurons. Nerve impulses usually travel from the dendrites and soma to the branching ends of the axon. The nerve cell shown here is a motor neuron. The axons of motor neuron stretch from the brain and spinal 3 cord to muscles or glands of the body.

Synapses

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Messages from one neuron to another pass over a microscopic gap called a synapse Synapse: Microscopic gap between two neurons over which messages pass

Synapses

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Messages from one neuron to another pass over a microscopic gap called a synapse Synapse: Microscopic gap between two neurons over which messages pass

Figure 2.5

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FIGURE 2.5 A highly magnified view of a synapse. Neurotransmitters are stored in tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles (VES-ihkels). When a nerve impulse reaches the end of an axon, the vesicles move to the surface and release neurotransmitters. These molecules cross the synaptic gap to affect the next neuron. The size of the gap is exaggerated here; it is actually only about one millionth of an inch. Some transmitter molecules excite the next neuron, and some inhibit its 6 activity.

Neurotransmitters

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Chemicals that alter activity in neurons; brain chemicals that carry messages. Acetylcholine: Activates muscles Dopamine: Muscle control Serotonin: Mood and appetite control Receptor Site: Areas on the surface of neurons and other cells that are sensitive to neurotransmitters

Neural Regulators

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Neural Peptides: Regulate activity of other neurons Endorphins: Released by pituitary gland; also help to relieve pain Do not send messages.

Nerves and Neurons

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Nerves: Large bundles of axons and dendrites (Not neurons) Myelin: Fatty layer of tissue that coats axons Multiple Sclerosis (MS) occurs when myelin layer is destroyed; numbness, weakness, and paralysis occur Neurogenesis: Production of new brain cells

Neural Networks

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Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord Peripheral Nervous System: All parts of the nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord Somatic System: Links spinal cord with body and sense organs; controls voluntary behavior Autonomic System: Serves internal organs and glands; controls automatic functions such as heart rate and blood pressure

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Figure 2.22

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Subcortex

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Hindbrain (Brainstem) Medulla: Connects brain with the spinal cord and controls vital life functions such as heart rate and breathing Pons (Bridge): Acts as a bridge between medulla and other structures Influences sleep and arousal Cerebellum: Located at base of brain Regulates posture, muscle tone, and muscular coordination

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Figure 2.25

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FIGURE 2.25 This simplified drawing shows the main structures of the human brain and describes some of their most important features. (You can use the color code in the foreground to identify 13 which areas are part of the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.)

Forebrain

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Structures are part of the Limbic System: System within forebrain closely linked to emotional response Thalamus: Relays sensory information to the cortex; switchboard Hypothalamus: Regulates emotional behaviors and motives (e.g., sex, hunger, rage, hormone release) Amygdala: Associated with fear responses Hippocampus: Associated with storing memories; helps us navigate through space

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