Ap Psych: Neural Communication

LMS- Limbic System ENS- Endocrine System CEC- Cerebral Cortex PNS- Peripheral Nervous System CNS- Central Nervous System

Biological Psychology

links between biology and behavior

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter, mood, sleep, sexual desire

Endorphins

Neurotransmitter, releases from pain and stress

Evolutionary Psychology

evolution of behavior and mind

Natural Selection

traits that increase reproduction pass down better genes

Neurons

nerve cell, basic building block of nervous system

Cell Body

Neurons, life-support

Dendrites

Neurons, gets messages from other cells

Axon

Neurons, passes messages

Terminal Branches Of Axons

Neurons, forms junctions with other cells

How do nerve cells communicate with other nerve cells?

electrical and chemical signals

Synapse

Neurons, gap between axon tip and dendrite or cell body (synaptic gap)

Neurotransmitters

Neurons, chemical messengers, crosses synaptic gaps

How do neurotransmitters influence behavior?

allows impulses to cross a synapse

ACH (Acetylcholine)

neurotransmitter, enables muscle action, learning, memory (Alzheimer’s)

Nervous System (NS)

communication network

CNS 

Central NS, brain and spinal cord, reflexes

PNS

Peripheral NS, sensory and motor neurons (connects CNS to body)

Somatic NS

PNS, controls skeletal muscles

Autonomic NS

PNS, glands and internal organs, sympathetic division arouses, parasympathetic division calms 

Sensory Neurons

NS, carry sensory info to brain and spinal cord

Motor Neurons

carry movement info

Endocrine System

glands that secrete hormones into stream

Hypothalamus

ENS, control pituitary gland

Pituitary Gland

ENS, controls other glands, metabolism, regeneration

Thyroid Gland

ENS, regulates energy and metabolism

Parathyroid

ENS, hormones for calcium absorption

Adrenal Gland

ENS, hormones for quick reactions

Testis/Ovary

sperm/eggs

Pancreas

ENS, insulin controls blood sugar levels, digestion

Older Brain Structures

Brainstem, Limbic, Cerebral

Brainstem

automatic survival functions

Reticular Formation

Brainstem, nerve network, arousal

Pons

Brainstem, coordinate movement

Medulla

Brainstem, base, heartbeat and breathing

Thalamus

Brainstem, sensory control center

Cerebellum

Brainstem, sensory input, coordinates movement and balance, nonverbal learning and memory

Limbic System

below cerebral hemispheres, emotions and drives

Amygdala

LMS, two bean sized neural clusters, emotion

Hippocampus

LMS, memory

Hypothalamus*

LMS, below thalamus, eating drinking body temp, endocrine system, emotion and reward (the rat example)

Cerebral Cortex

control and info processing

Frontal Lobe

CEC, speaking, muscle movement, plans, judgment

Broca’s Area

Frontal Lobe, language and speaking

Parietal Lobe

CEC, sensory, muscle movement (somatic) info

Occipital Lobe

CEC, visual info

Temporal Lobe

CEC, auditory

Wernick’s Area

Temporal Lobe, understanding lang

Brains Plasticity

brains ability to modify itself

Right Brain

creativity

Left Brain

academics