Neurobiology and Behavior

How It Works Denise Coe RN MSN HNC

The Brain
Thinking,feeling,behaving, motivation, memory are a function of the activity of networks of neurons throughout the brain. Mental disorders seen as brain disorders

Qualities of the brain

Genes gives direction for development Genes do not determine destiny Environment means the factors that turn genes on or off Environment can be events perceived by the brain

Brain Development
From in utero to old age Must use the neurons of the brain or they are pruned away Neuroplasticity-brain has ability to repair itself 12 growth spurts between birth and 20s

Neuroanatomy
Brain is regionally divided- different regions do different things Every area of the brain is interconnected with every other area

Neuroanatomy
Glial cells-very abundant regulate groups of neurons by controlling the concentration of neurotransmitters and ions All neurons directly or indirectly talk to each other through neurotransmitters

Major Brain Structures and their Functions

Different parts of the brain have different functions The parts are all in communication with each other by way of neurotransmitters Neurons are small, round bodies with branches called dendrites and a single long fiber called the axon

Parts of the

The Limbic System

the emotional brain" Emotional responses such as anger, fear, anxiety, pleasure, sorrow and sexual feelings are generated in the limbic system, but interpreted in the frontal lobe The reward center of the brain, motivates us to do something or learn something so we feel satisfied Interpretation of smell Interpretation of sensations from internal organs

Parts of the Limbic System

Amygdala-coordinates actions of the ANS and the endocrine system. Involved in the control of emotions Involved in nurturing behavior Involved in fear conditioning- creates a memory and when something resembles the original fear the amygdala responds with neurotransmitter messages

Parts of the Limbic System

Hippocampus- information processing center Channels sensory input to the appropriate brain area and regulates motor output pathways Regulates immune function Collates memory

Parts of the Limbic System

Cingulate Gyrus-regulates stress through changes in ANS Decides what information gets to the frontal lobe Gets input from the thalamus Regulates the emotional content of physical pain

Parts of the Limbic System

Nucleus Accumbens-reward center of the brain. An imbalance of neurotransmitter will result in that way a person experiences pleasure. Ex.Too low- the person will seek ways to increase it. The site of action for: cocaine,alcohol,amphetamines,marijuana, chocolate,carbohydrates. Can also increase levels of dopamine by high risk behavior REWARD DEFICIENCY SYNDROME

Parts of Limbic System

Thalamus-relay station in processing all sensory and motor information from spinal cord, brain stem, and cerebellum. Dysfunction makes it difficult to interpret pain.

Parts of the Limbic System

Hypothalamus is a neuroendocrineconverts thinking and feeling into hormones causing physical changes throughout the body via the ANS Acts with the pituitary gland to regulate the ANS and plays a part in sleep, blood pressure, appetite, temperature control, and fat and carbohydrate metabolism

Hypothalamus and Stress

Stress----(HPA axis)- hypothalamus-pituitaryadrenal axis Stress causes hypothalamus to produce corticotropin releasing factor(CRF) which tells the pituitary to release adrenocortticotropic hormone(ACTH) ACTH goes to adrenal cortex and stimulates cortisol release (stress hormone) Cortisol manages the bodys response to stress Stress can even be your worried thoughts!

Neurophysiology
Mental illness is a function of the changes in our brain chemistry. Many things can effect brain regulation:
Anatomical changes-trauma, tumors, development problems Lack of oxygen or glucose-decreased blood flow, lack of oxygen in blood, insufficient food Changes in electrolytes- insufficient food, diseases that effect electrolytes, medications, Neurotransmitter dysfunction- substance abuse, diets high in sugars and fats, diets deficient in nutrients, genetics, sleep

Neurotransmission
Electrochemical process that allows nerve signals to pass from one cell to another at the synapse Impulse travels from axon of a neuron, storage vesicles of neurotransmitters release a certain amount, go across the synapse and latch on to the receptor sites on the post synaptic neuron

Neurotransmission
Binding of the neurotransmitter to the receptor triggers activation of the second cell. Once transmitter completes its function it goes back into the synapse and is either deactivated by enzymes or goes back into the presynaptic terminal (reuptake) Many factors effect neurotransmission

Implications for Nursing

Teach people about neurotransmitter imbalance and how meds will help to balance them. Teach complementary modalities known to decrease the sympathetic responses and allow the parasympathetic response. Relaxation techniques:imagery, breathing, Yoga, exercise, reframing negative thinking all inhibit the stress response and restore the body-mind to balance