Behavioral Neuroscience

Behavioral neuroscience: Study of the biological basis of behavior.
- Involves disciplines like biological psychology, biopsychology, psychobiology, and neuropsychology.
- Focuses on physiological, genetic, and developmental mechanisms of behavior.
- Explores how humans and animals sense, process, and respond to stimuli.

Variation in traits occurs over time such as:
- Brain size and complexity
- Facial structure
- Physical fitness
Understanding of how human evolution impacts psychological processes.
Brain structures, functions, and behaviors have evolved to aid survival and reproduction.

Darwinian Concepts: Descent with modification; organisms adapt to their environments over time.
- Genes passed to future generations through adaptation.
- Consideration of genetics and mutations in evolution.
- Concepts of Natural Selection and 'survival of the fittest.'

Composed of approximately 60% fat and 40% water, protein, carbohydrates, and salt.
Features of the brain:
- Gyri (ridges) and sulci (valleys) increase surface area for processing information.
Main parts of the brain:
- Cerebrum: Higher brain functions.
- Cerebellum: Balance and coordination.
- Brainstem: Basic life functions.

Receptors: Specialized nerve cells that respond to stimuli.
- Types of sensory receptors include chemical, temperature, pressure, and light sensors.
Sensation occurs primarily in the brain, translating inputs into responses.

Three classes of neurons:
- Sensory neurons: Receive input from sense organs.
- Motor neurons: Control voluntary muscle activity (brain to muscles).
- Interneurons: Connect sensory and motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord.

Action Potential: Electrical impulse generated in neurons, traveling down the axon as an all-or-nothing response.
- Phases of action potential include:
  - Depolarization: Inside of axon becomes positive.
  - Repolarization: Return to resting state as channels close.
  - Hyperpolarization: More negative charge than resting potential.
  - Refractory Period: Neuron cannot respond to new stimuli until reset.

Defined as chemicals released into the synaptic space that bind to receptors on adjacent neurons, facilitating communication.
Key neurotransmitters include:
- Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in attention, memory, and muscle contraction.
- Dopamine: Linked to arousal and emotional responses.
- Serotonin: Influences mood, sleep, and appetite.
- GABA: Main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain.
Excitation vs. Inhibition:
- Agonist: Enhances neurotransmitter operation.
- Antagonist: Inhibits neurotransmitter operation.

Central Nervous System (CNS): Includes the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Divided into:
- Autonomic: Controls involuntary functions (sympathetic and parasympathetic).
- Somatic: Manages voluntary movements.

Divided into three main sections:
- Hindbrain: Includes the medulla, pons, and cerebellum; responsible for survival functions.
- Midbrain: Involved in vision, motor control, and alertness.
- Forebrain: Houses complex functions and emotional responses.

The cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes:
- Frontal: Responsible for personality, judgment, and movement.
- Parietal: Processes sensory information and spatial awareness.
- Temporal: Involved in memory and understanding language.
- Occipital: Visual processing center.

Comprised of glands that regulate various functions such as growth, metabolism, and mood through hormones.