Behavioral Neuroscience:Discussion: Genes and BehaviorPhineas GageSlide 4Phineas Gage: . the historical beginnings of the study of the biological basis of behavior“Intellect unimpaired”How does communication occur?THE HUMAN BRAIN: Centerpiece of Nervous SystemSlide 9Communication Networks Broad overview: 3 functionsSympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of nervous systemSpecific Parts: The Neuron StructureSpecific Parts: The Neuron FunctionSlide 14The Withdrawal ReflexNOTE: Not just one neuron at a timeAction ISlide 18Action PotentialRelay RaceCommunicationNeurotransmittersNeurotransmitters (>75)One Brain or Two?Case Study: WJActing as 2 separate brains…LATERALIZATIONThe lobes of the cerebral hemispheresSlide 29Behavioral Neuroscience: Lecture 42/02/04Discussion: Genes and BehaviorAre abilities based in biology or the environment?Can genes predict success (divorce, intelligence, health, career)?What if genotypic information was as readily available as your phenotype?Should health care providers or employers have access to our genotypic information?Phineas GageSeptember 13th, 1848Phineas = 25Rutland & Burlington Railroad, Cavendish, VTPaving the way for new RR tracks“Tamping Iron”1.25 x 3ftPhineas Gage: . the historical beginnings of the study of the biological basis of behaviorAccidentQuick RecoveryMonths later: “No longer Gage”Capable, efficient, best foreman, well-balanced mindExtravagant, anti-social, liar, grossly profaneStint with P.T BarnumCarriage driver in ChileDied 12 years later“Intellect unimpaired”Frontal lobe involved in thinking, planning, setting goals, inhibiting impulsesThe brain is not a single or simple entityIt’s an integrated system with different specialized partsLinks can be revealed by damage to specific structuresEvery sight, sound, taste, twitch, dream, memory, thought, etc. is biologicalHow does communication occur?Electrochemical communication between brain, sensory organs, muscles, and glandsNervous systemThe NeuronStructureActionCommunicationBrainTHE HUMAN BRAIN: Centerpiece of Nervous SystemBRAIN AT BIRTH ==> 25% of adult weightCONTAINS MOST OF THENEURONS YOU WILL EVER HAVEABOUT100 BILLION NEURONS100,000,000,000Communication NetworksBroad overview: 3 functionsSolve survival problems Receive & transmit signals (brain-body) Automatically regulates internal statesTransmit from sensory to CNSFight or FlightRestoreSympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of nervous systemSpecific Parts: The Neuron StructureNeurons = building blocks of nervous systemSpecific Parts: The Neuron FunctionNeurons = 3 functions: Reception, Conduction, Transmission1.3.2.Sensory Neurons (afferent)Neurons that send signals from the senses, skin, muscles, and internal organs to the CNS Motor Neurons (Efferent)Neurons that transmit commands from the CNS to the muscles, glands, and organs Types of Neurons:The Withdrawal ReflexNOTE: Not just one neuron at a timeComplex networks of thousands of neurons sending and receiving are basis of all psychological activityNeural networks = habitsAction IMessages occur in form of electric impulseshttp://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/class/Psy301/Pennebaker/DailyOutlines/Sept08%20Stress/neuricon.gifNeuron = Every neuron has membraneSome ions permeate more easily•Na+ do NOT pass easily•K+ DO pass easilyResting state = Negative•Negatively charged ions permanently trapped inside cellW. W. NortonAction PotentialWhen dendrites stimulated (IF enough stimulation**)Delicate balance alteredMembrane breaks downPositively charged ions rush in (depolarization)•Charge = less negative•Action Potential–Quick burst of electrical energy surges down axonRelay RaceAction Potential starts at dendriteThrough cell bodyDown AxonAxon Terminals•How does it get to the next cell’s dendrites?•Neurons don’t touch–Synapse = millionth inch gap–In synapse = vesicles w/ Neurotransmitters»Chemical messengers that transmit infoCommunicationImpulse releases neurotransmitter from vesicles. Neurotransmitter enters synaptic gap.Neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the receiving neuron.NeurotransmittersCan be inhibitory or excitatoryWon’t stop until:ReuptakeEnzyme deactivationAutoreceptionNeurotransmitters (>75)Acetylcholine (ACh)1st substance identified as NTLinks motor neurons and muscles (contract or relax)•e.g. curare vs black widow spiderAlso involved in memory, learning, sleep, dreamingEndorphins (the brain’s own morphine)1973 injected rats with morphineBound like NTsBrain had receptors for exogenous substance?•Brain must produce its own morphine•Released during pain and discomfortOne Brain or Two?Right and left sides have different strengths?Right- visual, spatial tasksLeft- Reading, verbal processesEach hemisphere controls opposite side?What if the two sides were disconnected?“split-brain patients”Case Study: WJ1961, W.J. comes to the labCards & blocks2 red sides2 white2 mixedUse 1 hand to assemble blocksLeft hand success vs. right hand success??Acting as 2 separate brains…Left hand- YES!Right hand- NO!Sometimes Left would sneak up to help right!“Each half brain worked outside the conscious realm of the other”LATERALIZATION WHICH FUNCTIONS?Left: •Adult speech•Literal interpretation•Analytical thinking Right:•Visual & Auditory patterns•Interpretation of subtleties•Holistic thinking•Face RecognitionThe lobes of the cerebral hemispheresThe lobes of the cerebral hemispheresPlanning, decision making
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