http://psy101.MyUCCedu.com/

Prof Tharney, PSY101 Unit IVBrain Body & Behavior

The Brain, Nervous System and Behavior

Neuron:

The basic unit of the nervous system, the “nerve cell” is a long thin call which receives, processes, and generates“messages” (neurological impulses) to and from the brain, as well as within the brain itself.

The neuron is made up of various structures

Dendrites

–

the receptors of the neuron whichreceive stimulation.

Cell body

- the part of the neuron which perfumemetabolic activity, generates nervous impulses, andtransmits outgoing impulses;Cell

nucleus

–

the “core” of the neuron which

contains the genetic material;

Axon

–

the fiber shaped part of the neuron whichtransmits impulses to other neurons or receptors byforwarding them to the end of the branches (axonterminals) where they are released to other neurons,muscles or glands of the body;

Myelin sheath

–

the fatty protective tissue thatcovers, insulates and protects neurons, as well asspeeding up the process of neural transmissions;The

nodes

(nodes of Ranvier)

–

the constrictionalong the axon which serves to speed up thetransmission of neurological transmissions;

Terminal branches

- The parts of a neuron that sendmessages to other neurons or to muscles or glands.

Synaptic knobs

(“bouton”) –

enlarges tips at the endof the axon terminals (end branches) where thesynaptic vesicles are located.

Synaptic vesicles

–

the very tiny “sacks” which

contain neurotransmitters;

Synapse

–

the space between the axon of oneneuron and the dendrites of another

http://psy101.MyUCCedu.com/Prof. T.R. Tharney: PSY101

UNIT IV

The Brain-Behavior Link: pp. 3

Types of neuronsAfferent Neurons

Neurons which transmit impulses from the various sensory organs to the centralnervous system (also known as sensory neurons).

Association Neurons

Neurons which transmit impulses between neurons within the nervous system (alsoknown as connecting neurons).

Efferent neurons

Neurons which transmit impulses from the central nervous system to various glands,muscles, and organs systems of the body.

BRANCHES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system which consists of the brainand spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that is made up of nerves

(bundles of neurons “ganglia” ) which exist outside the brain

and spinal cord, that extend throughout the body.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The part of the nervous system that extends down the sidesof the spinal cord that extend (with many connections to thespinal cord), which connect the central nervous to thevarious glands and smooth muscle of the body. Ther are twodivisions of the ANS,:1)

The

Sympathetic Division

: (which “activates” the

various glands and muscles to prepare the body for

“fight of flight”).

The

Parasympathetic Division

(which slows down the

body, promotes relaxation, regulates heart beat anddigestion, etc.)

The human brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) have been described as the most complex living structure inthe known universe. Although rather unimpressive in its appearance, (about the size and shape of a cantaloupeweighing about three and one half pounds) the brain contains billions of neurons and trillion of synapticconnections among them. The brain regulates and controls all of the physical and psychological functions of thehuman being