1. Good Morning
Neural Communication: Biological Psychology, Anatomy of Neurons (location and function of all parts), Neural Firing- Action Potential Process, Synapse, Reuptake Process, Neurotransmitters - Roles of Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, GABA, Glutamate, Endorphins; Agonists, Antagonists, Curare, Botulin, Blood-Brain Barrier
1. Identify the parts of a neuron and give their functions.
2. Describe the Action Potential Process.
Discuss the role of the major neurotransmitters.
Differentiate agonists and antagonists and give examples of each.

2. Neuroscience, Genetics
NEUROSCIENCE – YAY!!
Chapter 2
Neuroscience, Genetics
and Behavior

3. Neural Communication Biological Psychology Neuron
branch of psychology concerned with the links between biology and behavior
some biological psychologists call themselves behavioral neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, behavior geneticists, physiological psychologists, or biopsychologists
Neuron
a nerve cell
the basic building block of the nervous system

4. Neural Communication Dendrite Axon
the bushy, branching extensions of a neuron that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body
Axon
the extension of a neuron that carries messages away from the cell body
some are quite long 2 to 3 feet in length
Myelin [MY-uh-lin] Sheath
white fatty layer that insulates some axons
helps speed up neural impulses
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease in which the myelin sheath degenerates-leads to loss of muscle control

5. Neural Communication
Cell Body=Soma
Terminal Button

6. Neural Communication Action Potential
action potential- a neural impulse; is a brief electrical charge
neurons generate electricity from chemical events
resting neurons are full of negative ions, while fluid outside is positively charged –known as resting potential
-when a neuron fires, the axon opens its gates and lets in positive Potassium ions—sets of a chain reaction

7. Neural Communication ACTION POTENTIAL cont’d
excitatory vs. inhibitory messages
dendrite of a neuron receives both types of signals
-If # of excitatory – # of inhibitory signals is above the threshold the neuron fires
-the level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse
RESTING POTENTIAL =-70 MICROVOLTS
-all-or-none response; it fires or it doesn’t
Refractory Period – the time b/w neural firings w/in which a neuron cannot fire (toilet flush metaphor), Resting Pause
“Volley Principle”

8. Neural Communication Cell body end of axon
Direction of neural impulse: toward axon terminals

9. Neural Communication Synapse [SIN-aps]
junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron
tiny gap at this junction is called the synaptic gap or cleft
Sir Charles Sherrington

10. Neural Communication
(Presynaptic Neuron)
(Postsynaptic Neuron)
/gap

11. Neural Communication
-axon terminals-branching terminals that send messages to the next neuron
-contain sacs that hold neurotransmitters
NEUROTRANSMITTERS cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptor sites on the dendrite of the next neuron
lock and key relationship
this opens up the gates for the ions to pass through
either excites or inhibits the action potential
influencing whether it will generate a neural impulse

12. Neural Communication
reuptake- process where excess neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending neuron
-agonists excite neurons by mimicking natural neurotransmitters or blocking their reuptake to keep more of them in your system
-antagonists inhibit neural impulses by blocking receptor sites or diminishing their release

13. Neural Communication
Dopamine Pathways
Serotonin Pathways

14. Neural Communication

15. Neural Communication Acetylcholine ACh
involved in muscle contraction, learning and memory
people with Alzheimer’s lose the ability to produce acetylcholine
-if its transmission is blocked our muscles can’t contract and we become paralyzed
-Poison darts
-too much may lead to violent muscle contractions and seizures (black widow spider)

16. Neural Communication
Endorphins- natural opiates released in response to pain and vigorous exercise
-“endogenous morphine”
Pert & Snyder
blood-brain barrier- which is a membrane that only lets certain chemicals pass through
Parkinson’s -lack dopamine, but dopamine can’t cross the barrier—therefore we can’t give them dopamine
-L-Dopa must be used (kinda like synthetic dopamine) because it can cross the barrier

17. Neural Communication Neurotransmitter Receiving cell molecule membrane
Receptor site on
receiving neuron
Agonist mimics
neurotransmitter
Antagonist
blocks

18. Good Morning 2-2 61-67 NERVOUS & ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
1. Describe the nervous system’s two major divisions and identify the three types of neurons that transmit information through the system.
2. Identify the subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system, and describe their functions.
3. Describe the simplicity of the reflex pathways.
4. Describe the nature and functions of the endocrine system and its interaction with the nervous system.

19. The Nervous System Nervous System
the body’s speedy, electrochemical communication system
consists of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems
Central Nervous System (CNS)
the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
the sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body

20. The Nervous System Central (brain and spinal cord) Nervous system
Autonomic (controls
self-regulated action of
internal organs and glands)
Skeletal (controls
voluntary movements of
skeletal muscles)
Sympathetic
(arousing)
Parasympathetic
(calming)
Peripheral

21. The Nervous System Nerves neural “cables” containing many axons
part of the peripheral nervous system
connect the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs
Sensory Neurons (Afferent)
neurons that carry incoming information from the sense receptors to the central nervous system

22. The Nervous System SAME:Sensory=Afferent, Motor=Efferent Interneurons
CNS neurons that internally communicate and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor outputs
Motor Neurons (Efferent)
carry outgoing information from the CNS to muscles and glands
SAME:Sensory=Afferent, Motor=Efferent
Somatic Nervous System
the division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles

23. The Nervous System Autonomic Nervous System Sympathetic Nervous System
the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (such as the heart)
Sympathetic Nervous System
division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations
Parasympathetic Nervous System
division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body, conserving its energy

24. The Nervous System

25. The Nervous System

26. The Nervous System Reflex
a simple, automatic, inborn response to a sensory stimulus
Skin
receptors
Muscle
Sensory neuron
(incoming information)
Motor neuron
(outgoing
information)
Brain
Interneuron
Spinal cord

27. The Nervous System Neural Networks interconnected neural cells
with experience, networks can learn, as feedback strengthens or inhibits connections that produce certain results
computer simulations of neural networks show analogous learning
Inputs
Outputs
Neurons in the brain
connect with one
another to form networks
The brain learns by modifying
certain connections in
response to feedback

28. The Brain Lesion tissue destruction
a brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue

29. The Endocrine System Endocrine System
the body’s “slow” chemical communication system (v. Neurotransmitters –faster but shorter lasting)
a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream

30. Neural and Hormonal Systems
       The Endocrine System
-set of glands that secrete hormones into the blood stream
-hormones – chemical messengers that are produced in one tissue and affect another
 -some hormones are very similar in structure to neurotransmitters
-most are much slower acting than neurotransmitters
-n-mitters travel along neural pathways, hormones travel in the blood
 pituitary gland –master gland, produces or controls release of many diff. Types of hormones
-located under hypothalamus which controls it
-adrenal glands- pair of endocrine glands located just above the kidneys
-release epinephrine and Norepinephrine (aka adrenaline and noradrenaline)
-provide us with energy surges when under stress or pressure (work with sympathetic nervous system)

31. Electroencephalogram (EEG)
an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain’s surface
these waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp

32. The Brain CT (computed tomography) Scan
a series of x-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the body; also called CAT scan
PET (positron emission tomography) Scan
a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images that distinguish among different types of soft tissue; allows us to see structures within the brain

33. PET Scan

34. MRI Scan

35. The Brain Brainstem Medulla [muh-DUL-uh]
the oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull
responsible for automatic survival functions
Medulla [muh-DUL-uh]
base of the brainstem
controls heartbeat and breathing

36. The Brain

37. The Brain Reticular Formation Thalamus [THAL-uh-muss]
a nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal
Thalamus [THAL-uh-muss]
the brain’s sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem
it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla

38. The Brain Cerebellum [sehr-uh-BELL-um]
the “little brain” attached to the rear of the brainstem
it helps coordinate voluntary movement and balance

39. The Brain Limbic System Amygdala [ah-MIG-dah-la]
a doughnut-shaped system of neural structures at the border of the brainstem and cerebral hemispheres
associated with emotions such as fear and aggression and drives such as those for food and sex
includes the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus.
Amygdala [ah-MIG-dah-la]
two almond-shaped neural clusters that are components of the limbic system and are linked to emotion

40. The Brain Hypothalamus
neural structure lying below (hypo) the thalamus; directs several maintenance activities
eating
drinking
body temperature
helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland
is linked to emotion

41. The Limbic System

42. The Limbic System
Electrode implanted in reward center

43. The Cerebral Cortex Cerebral Cortex Glial Cells
the intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres
the body’s ultimate control and information processing center
Glial Cells
cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons

44. The Cerebral Cortex Frontal Lobes Parietal Lobes Occipital Lobes
involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgments
Parietal Lobes
include the sensory cortex
Occipital Lobes
include the visual areas, which receive visual information from the opposite visual field
Temporal Lobes
include the auditory areas

45. The Cerebral Cortex

46. The Cerebral Cortex Motor Cortex Sensory Cortex
area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements
Sensory Cortex
area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body sensations

47. The Cerebral Cortex

48. The Cerebral Cortex
Functional MRI scan shows the visual cortex activated as the subject looks at faces

49. Visual and Auditory Cortex

50. The Cerebral Cortex
1. Describe the findings of split-brain research and its expansion of knowledge on hemispheric specialization.

51. Association Areas
More intellegent animals have increased “uncommitted” or association areas of the cortex

52. The Cerebral Cortex Aphasia Broca’s Area Wernicke’s Area
impairment of language, usually caused by left hemisphere damage either to Broca’s area (impairing speaking) or to Wernicke’s area (impairing understanding)
Broca’s Area
an area of the left frontal lobe that directs the muscle movements involved in speech (damage also effects signing capability)
Wernicke’s Area
an area of the left temporal lobe involved in language comprehension and expression

53. Specialization and Integration

54. Specialization and Integration
Brain activity when hearing, seeing, and speaking words

55. Plasticity Brain Reorganization
the brain’s capacity for modification, as evident in brain reorganization following damage (especially in children) and in experiments on the effects of experience on brain development
“Blind-Girl Study” “Phantom Sensations”
Hemispherectomy Patient- 5 yr old later scored above average on intel tests, completed college & grad school

56. Our Divided Brain Left – Language/Verbal, Logical, Sequences
Left is interpretive; Brain’s press agent; constructs theories to explain our behavior
Right – Emotionally Intuitive, Expressive, Spatial Relations, Multi-Tasks (can do many things at once unlike the sequential left-brain)
Drawing: p 86 “Which one is happier?”
VIDEO MODULE: THE BRAIN: “The Divided Brain”

57. Our Divided Brain
Corpus callosum
-accidents, strokes, and tumors in the left hemisphere generally impair reading, writing, speaking, arithmetic reasoning and understanding
-similar damage in the right hemisphere rarely have such dramatic effects
-corpus-callosum –200 mil neural fibers connecting hemispheres
1960s surgery - severing

58. Our Divided Brain The information highway from the eye to the brain
Split-Brain Patient

59. Split Brain
a condition in which the two hemispheres of the brain are isolated by cutting the connecting fibers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) between them

60. Split Brain “What word did you see?” or “Point with your left
hand to the
word you
saw.”
“Look at the dot.”
Two words separated
by a dot are
momentarily projected.

61. Disappearing Southpaws
Left Hand vs. Right Hand
90% of humans are right handed
10% left-handed
95% of righties have lang based in left hem
50% of lefties have lang based in left hem
25% in the right
25% mixture
-lefties more likely to have reading disabilities, allergies, and migraines
-also more commonly musicians , math wiz’s, artists ,and MLB players
-for some reason (no one knows) the older the population you study, the less % of left handers there is

62. Disappearing Southpaws
The percentage of left-handers decreases sharply in samples of older people (adapted from Coren, 1993).
The percentage of
lefties sharply
declines with age
Age in years
14% 12 10 8 6 4 2
Percentage of
left-handedness

63. Brain Structures and their Functions

64. The Endocrine System Endocrine System
the body’s “slow” chemical communication system (v. Neurotransmitters –faster but shorter lasting)
a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream

65. Neural and Hormonal Systems
       The Endocrine System
-set of glands that secrete hormones into the blood stream
-hormones – chemical messengers that are produced in one tissue and affect another
 -some hormones are very similar in structure to neurotransmitters
-most are much slower acting than neurotransmitters
-n-mitters travel along neural pathways, hormones travel in the blood
 pituitary gland –master gland, produces or controls release of many diff. Types of hormones
-located under hypothalamus which controls it
-adrenal glands- pair of endocrine glands located just above the kidneys
-release epinephrine and Norepinephrine (aka adrenaline and noradrenaline)
-provide us with energy surges when under stress or pressure (work with sympathetic nervous system)