Neuroscience and Behavior

neurons, chemicals & nervous system (neuropsychology).

biological basis for behavior

Body's primary communication network. Brain, spinal cord, nerves

Nerve cells (brain cells)

INPUT from sensory organs to the brain and spinal cord

Convey information to the brain about the environment

From specialized receptor cells in the sense organs and internal organs to the brain

• Contains the cell's nucleus
• -Contains DNA
• -Controls metabolism & protein manuf.
• -No role in neural signaling

• Receive inputs from neighboring
• neurons

• If enough inputs, the cell’s Axon may
• generate an output

The cell’s output structure

One axon per cell

• Long, fluid-filled, tube-like structure
• Branches at end connect to dendrites
• of other cells & carry messages

*some neurons do not have axons

• White fatty casing on axon'
• Acts as an electrical insulator
• Increases the speed of neural signals

Axon terminals are the tips of the axon's branches

A gap called the synaose separates the axon terminals from dendrite receptors

• Support cells that assist neurons
• Provide structural support, nutrition and remove cell wastes
• Manufacture myelin

How neurons communicate