Biological Bases of Behavior

genetic predisposition

increased chance of developing a specific trait or condition due to our genetic code

neurons

individual cell nerves

dendrites

rootlike parts of cell that stretch out

• grow to make synaptic connections with other neurons

cell body / soma

contains nucleus & more

axon

wirelike structure ending in the terminal buttons that extends from the cell body

myelin sheath

fatty covering around the axon of some neurons that speeds neutral impulses

terminal buttons

branched ends of axon that contain neurotransmitters

neurotransmitters

chemicals contained in terminal buttons that enable neurons to communicate

synapse

space between the terminal buttons of one neuron and the dendrites of another

excitatory

neurotransmitters that excite the next cell into firing

inhibitory neurotransmitters

inhibit the next cell from firing

dopamine

function:

• motor movement and alertness

problems:

• lack = parkinson’s diease

• excess = schizophrenia

serotonin

function:

• mood control

lack = clinical depression

norepinephrine

function:

• alertness, arousal

lack = depression

glutamate

function:

• excitatory neurotransmitter, involved in memory

triggers: migraines, seizures

GABA

function:

• inhibitory neurotransmitter

internalizes when having seizures and can cause sleep problems

endorphins

function:

• pain control

involved in addictions

substance P

function:

• pain perception

lack = lack of pain perception

acetylcholine

function:

• motor movement

lack = Alzheimer’s disease

muscle weakness

sensory neurons

take info from senses to the brain

interneurons

• once info reaches brain or spinal cord » these take messages and send them elsewhere in brain or different neurons

motor neurons

take info from brain —> rest of body

the nervous system