BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF BEHAVIOR Flashcards
- Controls bodily activities and behavioral
responses. - Composed of 100 billion neurons.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Brain and spinal cord.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Nerve fibers connecting the CNS to receptors and
effectors.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The basic structural and functional unit
of the nervous system.
NEURON
Central portion with a nucleus.
Cell Body (Cyton)
Receive nerve impulses and carry them to the cell body.
Dendrites
Sends messages away from the cell body; covered by a myelin sheath.
Axon
Carry messages from sense organs
to the CNS.
Sensory Neurons
Carry messages from the brain to
muscles/glands.
Motor Neurons
Carry messages within the CNS.
Inter-Neurons
React to external stimulation
Irritability
Transmit nerve impulses through
nerve fibers.
Conductivity
Electrical signals created by stimuli, known as
action potentials.
Nerve Impulse
A juncture between neurons where neurotransmitters are released, allowing nerve
impulse transmission.
Synapse
Neurons either react fully or not at all.
All or Nothing Law
Nerve impulses only travel in one
direction between neurons.
Law of Dynamic Polarity
Controls and directs all nervous system activities
Brain
Pathway for transmitting messages to and from the brain, controlling reflexes.
Spinal Cord
Seat of consciousness; responsible for
higher mental activities.
Cerebrum
Relay center for impulses.
Thalamus
Regulates body systems and emotions;
works with the endocrine system.
Hypothalamus
Links sensory and motorpathways; involved in auditory and visual activities.
Midbrain
Maintains balance, posture, and voluntary motor
activities.
Cerebellum
Regulate involuntary functions
(heartbeat, breathing).
Pons and Medulla Oblongata