Why we study brain and nervous system in psychology?

Most experts in the field of psychology and biology agree that the mind and the body are connected in more complex ways than we can even comprehend. Research constantly shows us that the way we behave, the way we feel, and the way our body’s respond.

Neuron

• A neuron receives, processes and transmits information • Information comes into the neuron through the dendrites• It then continue to the cell body (soma) which contains the nucleus• The soma processes information and then passes it along the Axon.• At the end of axon are blub like structure called Terminal Buttons

Neurotransmitters

Information is carried by biochemical substance called neurotransmitters. The terminal buttons and the dendrites of other neurons do not touch, but instead pass the information containing neurotransmitters through a Synapse.

Neurotransmitters • Acetylcholine involved in voluntary movement,

learning, memory and sleep.• Dopamine correlated with movement, attention and

learning.• Nor epinephrine associated with eating, alertness.• Epinephrine involved in energy, glucose

metabolism.• Serotonin plays a role in mood, sleep, appetite and

impulsive and aggressive behavior.• GABA inhibits excitation and anxiety.• Endorphins involved in pain relief and feeling of

pleasure.

Nervous system

The nervous system is broken down into two major systems:

Central nervous system Peripheral nervous system

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord

The Brain

The Cerebral Cortex is a grey matter with a multitude of folds covering the cerebrum, which is involved in a variety of higher cognitive functions.

The Brain

The brain is divided into four lobes…• Frontal – behavior, expresses language, high level

cognitive processes• Parietal – processing of touch, pressure, temperature and

pain• Occipital – visual information• Temporal – receptive language, memory and emotion

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord consists of the Brainstem. There are many other parts of it.

• Medulla Oblongata controls heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, attention, sleep, wakefulness and reflexes.

• Pones regulates sleep and dreaming.• Cerebellum controls balance, smooth movement and posture

The Spinal Cord

• Thalamus relays incoming sensory information to the brain.

• Hypothalamus controls the autonomic nervous system, maintains the body homeostatic and translate emotions into physical response.

The Spinal Cord

• Limbic system controls emotional expressions, behavior, memory and motivation.

The Spinal Cord

• Amygdala – mediates both defensive and aggressive behavior

• Hippocampus – transfer short term memory into long term memory

Peripheral Nervous System

It is divided into two sub units…• The Somatic Nervous System – controls the action

of skeletal muscles• The Autonomic System – regulates primarily

involuntary activities. It is further divided into two systems:

1. The Sympathetic Nervous System

2. The Parasympathetic Nervous System