Module 3: Neural and Hormonal Systems

What is Biological psychology? -Branch of psychology concerned with the links between biology and psychological processes Nervous System: Neurons- cells that carry and process information Dendrites- bushy end of a neuron that receives information Axons- end of a neuron that passes information onto other neurons Myelin Sheath- a fatty insulting layer over some axons that speeds transmission Multiple Sclerosis- an autoimmune disorder in which there is demyelination of white matter on the axons in the CNS *Speed of Transmission: Between 2 and 200 miles per hour Resting Potential- slightly negative charge of a resting neuron Threshold- level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse All-or-None-Law- Neuron firing is absolute, it either fires or doesnt Action Potential- electrical impulse that travels down the axon Depolarization- The influx of positively charged ions that result in a charge moving down the axon Refractory Period- a period where the axon cannot fire because it has to pump positively charged ions out of the neurons and regain resting potential How Neurons Communicate Synapse (synaptic cleft)- space between neurons Neurotransmitters- chemical messengers between individual neuron cells Ex- dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine -Dopamine: affects movement, learning, attention, emotions Too much can cause turret syndrome, schizophrenia, echolalia, etc Too little can cause Parkinsons Disease, depression, etc

Acetylcholine (Ach)- affects muscle contraction, learning, and memory - Found in nature a lot (Curare is a plant you can come in contact with) - Botulin can be found in both Botox and even some canned food - Very common with relation to Alzheimers - Black Widows increase the flow and dramatically speed of and intensify contractions Endorphins- naturally occurring painkillers that are responsible for good feelings that result from strenuous exercise and pain relieving effects of acupuncture *Runners high Other Neurotransmitters: Serotonin- affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal. Prozac and other antidepressants raise the level of serotonin in the brain Norepinephrine- helps control alertness and arousal Gama-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)- has inhibitory functions and implicated in sleep and eating disorders The Nervous System Central Nervous System: Made up of the spinal cord and the brain Neural Networks: They are interconnected neural cells. With experience, networks can learn as feedback strengthens or inhibits connections that produce certain results -Neurons in the brain connect with one another to form networks -The brain learns by modifying certain connections in response to feedback Nerves: Electrical cables formed from bundles of axons 3 types of Neurons: 1. Sensory Neurons- send information from the sense organs to the brain and spinal cord 2. Motor Neurons- relay instructions from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands 3. Interneurons- Neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally, intervene between sensory and motor processes Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body

Somatic Versus Autonomic Somatic Nervous System- controls movement of skeletal muscles Autonomic Nervous System- controls the glands and muscles of our internal organs Sympathetic Versus Parasympathetic Nervous System Occurs with Stress Sympathetic- automatic response, Fight or Flight (faster heart beat, pupils dilate, food movement slows down) Parasympathetic- exact opposite, calms all nerves down back to normal state