Biological Basis of Behavior

Nervous System
Nervous system is your body's command center. it is a highly complex part of an
animal that coordinates its actions and sensory information by transmitting signals to and from
different parts of its body.

 The central nervous system  The peripheral nervous system (PNS)

(CNS) consists of the brain and consists of ‘the rest’ of the nervous
spinal cord. system.
 The CNS makes decisions for the  The PNS gathers and sends information
body. to and from the rest of the body.

What is a Neuron?

Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system. They receive and transmit signals

to different parts of the body. This is carried out in both physical and electrical forms. 

Structure and Functions of Neuron

Types of Neurons according to structure

Multipolar neurons. These neurons have a single axon and symmetrical dendrites that

extend from it. This is the most common form of neuron in the central nervous system.

Unipolar neurons. Usually only found in invertebrate species, these neurons have a

single axon.

Bipolar neurons. Bipolar neurons have two extensions extending from the cell body. At

the end of one side is the axon, and the dendrites are on the other side. These types of neurons

are mostly found in the retina of the eye. But they can also be found in parts of the nervous

system that help the nose and ear function.

Pyramidal neurons. These neurons have one axon but several dendrites to form a

pyramid type shape. These are the largest neuron cells and are mostly found in the cortex. The

cortex is the part of the brain responsible for conscious thoughts.

Purkinje neurons. Purkinje neurons have multiple dendrites that fan out from the cell

body. These neurons are inhibitory neurons, meaning they release neurotransmitters that keep

other neurons from firing.

Types of Neurons according to function

Sensory Neurons: The sensory neurons convert signals from the external environment

into corresponding internal stimuli. The sensory inputs activate the sensory neurons and carry

sensory information to the brain and spinal cord. They are pseudo unipolar in structure.

Motor Neurons: These are multipolar and located in the central nervous system

extending their axons outside the central nervous system. This is the most common type of

neuron and transmits information from the brain to the muscles of the body.

Interneurons: They are multipolar in structure. Their axons connect only to the nearby

sensory and motor neurons. The help in passing signals between two neurons.

Division of Nervous System

Central Nervous System
The Structure and Function of the Human Brain
The brain structure is composed of three main parts: the forebrain, midbrain and

hindbrain, each with multiple parts.

 The Spinal Cord and Reflexes

Neurotransmitters Function Effect of

Effect of Deficit
Surplus
Excitatory:
Released by motor neurons.
Acetylcholine Stimulates muscle contraction; Severe Muscle
Alzheimer’s Disease
(Ach) involved in attention, memory, Spasms
learning and general intellectual
functioning
Parkinson’s Disease,
Inhibitory: Low levels of dopamine may cause
Pleasurable sensations involved in specific symptoms associated with Schizophrenia
Dopamine (DA) depression. These symptoms can Drug Addiction
voluntary movement, attention, and
learning include lack of motivation
difficulty concentrating
Inhibitory:
Moods and emotional states, hunger
Serotonin Depression, mood disorders Autism
regulation of sleep and wakefulness
(arousal)
Excitatory:
Used for arousal in the flight/fight
Norepinephrine Mental disorders, especially
response, modulation of mood, Anxiety
(NE) depression
plays a role in learning and memory
retrieval
GABA Inhibitory:
(gamma- Helps to offset excitatory messages Anxiety, seizures, tremors, and Sleep and eating
aminobutyric and regulate daily sleep-wake insomnia disorders
acid) cycles
Endorphins Inhibitory: Body experiences pain Body may not
 give
Involved in pain perception and adequate
positive emotions. Similar to opiate warning about
family of drugs. pain. Artificial
highs
Excitatory: Too much glutamate (and too little
Used in memory, learning,
Glutamate GABA) associated with epileptic
movement. Helps messages cross
seizures
the synapse more efficiently