Download Axia College Material Appendix C Brain Response of Behavior Part I

Axia College Material
Appendix C
Brain Response of Behavior
Part I
Run Multimedias 2.3 and 2.4
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Go to the Web site www.prenhall.com/morris.
Click text: Psychology: An Introduction (12th ed.)
Click “2” on the select a chapter tool bar.
Click Live!Psych on the left hand menu.
Select 2.3 and 2.4.
Write a 350- to 700-word response to the following: Explain the communication process of
neurons in the brain. List some common neurotransmitters and describe their effect on behavior.
Neurons are the microscopic nerve cells of the brain which play a critical role in
human behavior and thought processes (Morris & Maisto, 2005). The communication
process of neurons begins with the dendrite, short fibers branching from the outer cell
body. These dendrites transmit messages to neighboring cells. When a dendrite has
received enough information the next step in communication occurs with a nerve
impulse, similar to an electrical charge, which sends the information traveling down a
single elongated fiber known as an axon. From this point the information continues on
until reaching the end of the axon. A terminal button is located at the axon end which
then releases neurotransmitters which in turn send the message to the next neuron (Live!
Psych, 2002).
Between each neuron is an area known as the synaptic cleft. All messages being
transmitted will pass through this tiny space between the terminal button at the end of the
sending axon, or presynaptic neuron, and the dendrites or cell body of a receiving, or
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postsynaptic, neuron (Morris & Maisto, 2005). Inside the terminal button of the
presynaptic neuron are tiny sacs known as synaptic vesicles which release chemicals into
the synaptic space. The chemicals released are the neurotransmitters. These
neurotransmitters will pass through the synaptic cleft prior to being received by the
dendrite of a receiving neuron. On the receiving end of the neuron a short period of
binding will occur within this receptor site. As receptor sites are made to accept only
certain shaped neurotransmitters there may be certain messages which will be unable to
be delivered properly should the neurotransmitter and receptor not be a match (Live!
Psych, 2002).
There are many types of neurotransmitters and each have a specific effect on the
nerve circuit which may either aid or hinder communications. Neurotransmitters which
are helpful to the process of communication are known as excitatory. In contrast, the
neurotransmitters hindering proper communications are referred to as inhibitory (Live!
Psych, 2002).
Some of the common neurotransmitters include endorphins, serotonin, and
dopamine. Endorphins are small chains of amino acids which aid in the reduction of pain.
These neurotransmitters are regularly released during physical exercise and act as a
natural pain reducer. Serotonin plays a factor in emotional response and also helps in
regulating sleep, mood, and aggressive behavior. Due to serotonins affect on behavior it
is commonly referred to as the “mood molecule”. Finally, dopamine is a neurotransmitter
which is associated with learning, memory, emotion and voluntary movement (Morris &
Maisto, 2005).
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References
Live!Psych. (2002). The synapse and neurotransmitters.
Retrieved March 28, 2009, from University of Phoenix, Week
Two, rEsource. Introduction to Behavioral Science Web site.
Live!Psych. (2002). Neurotransmitters. Retrieved March 28, 2009, from
University of Phoenix, Week Two, rEsource. Introduction to
Behavioral Science Web site.
Morris, C.G., & Maisto, A.A. (2005). Psychology an introduction (12th ed.). Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc..
Part II
Refer to Ch. 2 (pp. 58-78) In Psychology: An Introduction.
Write a 350- to 700-word response identifying the major regions of the brain and what functions of
behavior the systems of each region control.
There are three major regions of the brain known as the central core, the limbic
system, and the cerebral cortex. Within these three main regions are various structures
which control how an individual behaves as well as body functions (Morris & Maisto,
2005).
The brains central core is where the medulla, pons, cerebellum, thalamus, and
hypothalamus are located.. Closest to the point where the spinal cord enters the skull is
the medulla which works to control regulating respiration, heart rate and blood pressure.
The pons releases chemicals which aid in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycles.
Maintaining balance and coordination is the responsibility of the cerebellum which also is
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commonly referred to as the “little brain”. The brains “relay station” for information is
the thalamus. Located beneath the thalamus is the hypothalamus. This is the area of the
brain which has immense impact on an individuals’ motivation and emotional responses.
Desire for food, drink, and even sex are all related to the function of the hypothalamus
(Morris & Maisto, 2005).
The limbic system is the region located between the central core and the cerebal
cortex. Loosely connected structures are working here which factor in one’s learning
abilities and emotional responses. Within the limbic system is located the hippocampus
which aids in the formation of new memory. The ability to form new memories will
become hindered should damage to this area occur yet previously formed memories will
remain intact. The amygdale is another part of the limbic system which works together
with the hippocampus in order to control emotions of self-preservation. Various other
structures located within the limbic system factor into the sense of pleasure an individual
experiences. Furthermore, the limbic system, which is only fully developed in the human
species, may play a role in the suppression of certain types of instinctive behavior
(Morris & Maisto, 2005)
The outer covering of the cerebral hemisphere occupying the largest area inside
the skull is the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is comprised of four lobes responsible
for processing thoughts, vision, language, memory, and emotion. The frontal lobe of the
cerebral cortex aids in the ability to solve complex problems as well as coordination of
messages received from other areas within the cerebral cortex region. The parietal lobe
acts as a receptor area for sensory information and also contributes to spatial ability.
Visual information is processed by the occipital lobe and should damage occur to this
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lobe the result can be vision loss or visual hallucinations. The last of the four lobes is the
temporal lobe which also factors into processing visual input by aiding in the ability to
recognize faces. The temporal lobe also receives and processes information from the ears,
regulation of emotion and motivation, and aids in maintaining balance. Language
recognition and comprehension is also believed to be linked to the temporal lobe (Morris
& Maisto, 2005).
References
Morris, C.G., & Maisto, A.A. (2005). Psychology an introduction (12th ed.). Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc..
Part III
Consider the following chain of events. Describe in 350-700 words the sensory process
that takes place as the scenario unfolds.
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The sensory process begins as the ear senses the crack of the bat as it strikes the
ball. The information received by the ear is received by the temporal lobe which alerts
that an action has taken place which begins the transmission of neural messaging. Next, a
dendrite at the receiving end of neuron cell will take the initial transmission and carry it
forward to the body of the cell. Once the dendrite has received enough information the
process will continue by undergoing a nerve impulse sending the message across the
synaptic cleft to be received by the neighboring neuron. The message will now bind with
the receptor site and should the receptor and neurotransmitter fit properly the message
will then continue to the next phase (Morris & Maisto, 2005).
In the second phase of the scenario the ball is seen coming towards the individual.
As the occipital lobe processes this information the process is repeated of transmitting
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information from one cell to another. Information will once again be transmitted from
one cell to another. When this phase is complete the final phase begins (Morris & Maisto,
2005).
The response to reach out and catch the ball occurs in this final phase of the
scenario as successfully transmitted messages in earlier phases trigger this response. Now
the frontal lobe receives the previously processed information and begins to prepare for
future movement. The frontal lobe plays a significant role during this phase as this is the
area responsible for voluntary action which allows the body to respond to the messages
being received. The final message is sent producing an almost reflexive response to reach
out and catch the ball with the glove (Morris & Maisto, 2005).
During this scenario multiple occurrences of transmission of information have
taken place. While the scenario likely began and completed itself in a matter of only
seconds countless transmissions have gone from one region of the brain to another. In the
event any of these messages were unable to be properly sent or received along the way
the final outcome of the scenario may have been different.
References
Morris, C.G., & Maisto, A.A. (2005). Psychology an introduction (12th ed.). Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc..
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