This document provides an overview of the neural basis of behavior. It discusses the gross anatomy of the brain including grey and white matter. It also describes the structure and function of neurons, including their parts like dendrites and axons. Action potentials and synaptic transmission between neurons are explained. The role of glial cells and myelin in supporting neurons is covered. Additionally, it discusses the endocrine system and how hormones influence behavior through feedback loops and homeostasis. Finally, it introduces the field of behavioral genetics and different research methods used to study genetic influences on behavior.

1. Neural Basis of
Behavior

2. Neural Basis of Behavior
• Brain basics and neurogeography
• Brain cells
• Action potentials

3. Gross anatomy of the brain

4. Gross anatomy of the brain:
Grey & White Matter
Glial cells provide support: myelin

5. Gross anatomy of the brain

6. Gross anatomy of the brain

10. Nothing
Corpus Collosum

11. Ramon de Cajal
Individual
Neurons with
small spaces
in between

12. Neurons: Structure
• Parts of neurons
• Relationship to synapses
• Insulation

13. Basic features of the neuron: dendrite,
cell body, axon

14. Electrical signals are transported down
an axon
• Dendrites: receive information
• inputs
• Axon: transmits electrical
signals
– Myelin: insulates the nerve cell
– Speeds up transmission
– Terminal buttons: release
transmitters
• Synapse: site of chemical
communication

15. Glial Cells

16. A closer look

17. Even closer

18. Action potentials
• Neurons specialize in
the transfer of
information within
the nervous system.
– Operated electrically
– Communicate
chemically

19. Generation, Transmission, &
Integration of Neural Signals
• Electrical Signals are the vocabulary of the
nervous system
• Synaptic transmission is precise
• An action potential is a rapid electrical signal
that travels along the axon of a neuron.
• A neurotransmitter is a messenger between
neurons

20. • Ions – electrically charged molecules
– Anions = negative
– Cations = positive
• A resting cell is more negative than its surrounding fluid
(extracellular fluid).
• The resting membrane potential is ~-70mV
– This is a negative polarity

21. Ion Channels

22. Synapse

23. Serotonin: Example neurotransmitter
• Serotonin (5-HT) is involved in mood
• Anti-depressants allow for more 5-HT (e.g. SSRI:
serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor)

24. Animal toxins can selectively block
channels
• Puffer fish and tetrodotoxin (TTX)
• Dart frogs and batrachotoxin

25. Behavioral Endocrinology is the
study of how hormones affect
behavior
• 8th Century B.C.E:
Palace Eunuchs of
Imperial China

26. • Hormones provide a mechanism of
chemical communication within the body
– Over 80 hormones have been identified in
mammals
• Types of chemical communication
– Between the environment & the individual
– Between individuals
– Within a single individual

27. Homeostasis = key function of
endocrine system
• Body temp
• Blood glucose
• Blood volume
• Body weight
• Metabolism
• Growth

28. Homeostasis is accomplished by feedback loops

29. Anatomical Organization of the Endocrine System
Hypothalamus and Pituitary gland

30. Goiters

31. Genes and Behavior:
The Field of Behavioral Genetics
• Behavioral genetics = the study of the
influence of genetic factors on behavioral
traits
• Chromosomes – strands of DNA carrying
genetic information
– Human cells contain 46 chromosomes in pairs
(sex-cells – 23 single)
– Each chromosome – thousands of genes, also
in pairs

32. • Dominant, recessive
• Homozygous, heterozygous
• Genotype/Phenotype and Polygenic
Inheritance
Genes and Behavior:
The Field of Behavioral Genetics

33. Research Methods in Behavioral
Genetics
• Family studies – does it run in the family?
• Twin studies – compare resemblance of
identical (monozygotic) and fraternal
(dizygotic) twins on a trait
• Adoption studies – examine resemblance
between adopted children and their biological
and adoptive parents