Biological Bases of

Behavior
Ch. 3
AP Psych
Zahuta
 Review
Basic Hardware of the Nervous
System:
Glia structural support and insulation
Neurons communication
Soma cell body
Dendrites receive
Axon transmit away
 Neuron Communication
Myelin Sheath speeds up transmission
Terminal Button end of axon; secretes
neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters chemical messengers
Synapse point at which neurons interconnect

Hodgkin & Huxley (1952)

Ions
-70millivolts
Action Potential
All-or-None
 Postsynaptic Potential (PSPs)

Voltage change at receptor site postsynaptic

potential (PSP)
Not all-or-none/ probability of firing?
+ voltage shift excitatory PSP
- voltage shift inhibitory PSP
THRESHOLD = Pa-chow!

Synaptic Pruning

Can you teach an old dog new tricks??

Neurotransmitterswhat are those
critters?
Specific neurotransmitters work at specific synapses

Agonist mimics neurotransmitter

Antagonist opposes action of a
neurotransmitter

15 20 neurotransmitters known at
present
Organization of the Nervous
System
Central Nervous System (CNS)
S Sensory
A Afferent
M Motor
E Efferent

Brain & Spinal Cord

 Peripheral Nervous System
Somatic Nervous System & Autonomic Nervous System
Voluntary Involuntary
Nerves connected to: Nerves connected to:
Skeletal Muscles , Blood Vessels, Glands
Sensory Receptors
Afferent and Efferent Functions we are unaware of

Autonomic Nervous System is divided into two subgroups as well:

1. Sympathetic Division Fight or Flight (Cannon 1932)

2. Parasympathetic Division Conserves bodys resources

The End