Lecture 1

Course Overview

• This course will explore the biological basis of psychological processes.
• Textbook will be used for the course: The Biology of Behavior by Neil Carlson

Why study Neuroscience

• Neuroscience can enrich our understanding of many psychological processes.
• Understanding the brain-body connection is a key insight for psychologists.

Divisions of the Nervous System

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and Spinal Cord
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves throughout the body

Peripheral Nervous System

• Sensory Nerves: Relay information from the body to the CNS.
• Motor Nerves: Send commands from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Autonomic Nervous System

• Sympathetic Nervous System : Responsible for "fight or flight" response.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System : Responsible for "rest and digest" response.
• Autonomic system controls the 'Four F's' - Feeding, Fighting, Flighting, and Reproduction
• Both branches of the autonomic system are controlled by the brain.
• Acetylcholine and Noradrenaline are the neurotransmitters used.

Enteric Nervous System

• Located within the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Controls digestive activity such as peristalsis and secretion of enzymes.
• Senses the physical and chemical conditions of the gut.
• Can function independently but interacts with the brain.
• Uses neurotransmitters including dopamine and serotonin.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

• Contains roughly 86 billion neurons
• The brain is a complex organ with billions of neurons working together.
• The brain and spinal cord are protected by:
  • Bone: Skull and spinal column
  • Meninges: Three layers of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid: Fluid that cushions and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.
• Common misconception that we only use 10% of our brain.