Lecture 3 - Biological Bases of Behaviour Flashcards
What are the components of the Nervous system?
CNS & PNS
What are the 2 components of the PNS?
Somatic (sensory & motor neurons, voluntary) & autonomic (internal, involuntary)
what are the 2 components of the PNS - Autonomic ?
Sympathetic & parasympathetic
what are the functions of the frontal lobe?
Abstract thoughts, decision making, planning and cognitive thoughts.
what is the limbic system made up of ?
Hypothalamus, thalamus, hippocampus and amygdala
how does the hippocampus relate to depression?
appears smaller when depressed
how does the amygdala relate to depression
increased activity
how does the HPA relate to depression
regulates motivated behaviour - triggers stress response
how does the thalamus relate to depression?
links to bipolar disorder
whats the role of the pituitary gland?
regulates the thyroid and parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, testes and ovaries. it is under control by the hypothalamus
what are the 2 hormones in the stress response system?
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
what are the 2 chemical messengers in the body ?
neurotransmitters –> neurons hormones –> organs
what are the symptoms of depression?
weight loss/gain restlessness sleep isolation/withdrawal from social activities suicidal thoughts problems thinking/concetrating
what are the 3 main neurotransmitters associated with depression?
serotonin dopamine norepinephrine
what are the 3 less involved NT associated with depression?
acetylcholine glutamate GABA
what is the effect of depression of the endocrine system?
disturbed circadian rhythms increased cortisol decreased eostrogen decreased level of testosterone after 50
how many neurons are present at birth?
100-200 billion, connections increase with age. Children who are exposed to unhealthy environments impacts the brain development
what are the 3 types of stress?
positive or normal stress
tolerable stress -
toxic stress - strong, frequent or prolonged activation of the stress system. often abusive environments
What is the role of HPA axis?
- releases corticotropin-releasing hormone
- triggers pituitary at base of the brain to release adrenocorticotropic hormone
- stimulates adrenal glands on kidneys to release corticosteriods (cortisol & other hormones)
- sterols interact with organs controlling basic physiology of the body incl brain and immune system
