Western International University Material



Axia College Material

Appendix C

Brain Response of Behavior

Part I

Note: Parts II and III follow below, complete all three.

Run Multimedias 2.3 and 2.4

o Go to the Web site morris.

o Click text: Psychology: An Introduction (12th ed.)

o Click “2” on the select a chapter tool bar.

o Click Live!Psych on the left hand menu.

o Select 2.3 and 2.4.

Write a 350- to 700-word response to the following: Explain the communication process of neurons in the brain. List some common neurotransmitters and describe their effect on behavior.

Neurons are just like a system of electrical wirings installed in the body systems. Just like electrical wires, neurons are responsible for the conduction or transmission of all the information produced between the neurons and cells communication. From its name, it is obvious that neurons are excitable parts of the nervous system which assume very important functions. The brain is the central part that makes communication of the different body systems successful with the neurons ‘bridging’ the sending and receiving of signals passing through special receptors, connections and terminals in specific regions of the central nervous system designated to have special function in the messaging processes. Neurons and cells cannot accomplish information transmission job by themselves. For enabling the signals between the neurons and the cells to be relayed, amplified, and regulated, another important component of the central nervous system known as neurotransmitters are required. These neurotransmitters are comprised by different chemicals released at the presynaptic nerve terminal of the neurons where the synapse, which refers to the movement occurring across a small gap between neurons and other cells, serve as facilitators to accomplish effective passing of information between the neurons and other cells involved in the process. As facilitators of communication between the neurons and the cells, neurotransmitters assumes many important functions in the body systems and have involvement in the different processes of regulation, stimulation, motivation, transmissions and inhibitions in the body. Among the regulatory functions of neurotransmitters is the regulation of moods, emotion, affect, sensory functions, and perception which is the reason why neurotransmitters have significant impacts on the behaviour especially the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

The dopamine produces stimulating effects but most importantly, it assumes many vital and important cognitive and behavioural functions, in motivation and pleasure, sexual arousal, sleep regulation, motor activities, and learning functions. This chemical is released in different parts of the brain which is usually as the effects of naturally rewarding factors which include foods, sex, and drugs which explains the significance of dopamine in drug addiction.

Another neurotransmitter, the serotonin also has contribution in controlling mood and behaviour such as sexual and hallucinogenic behaviours, appetite, sleep, memory and learning. Another neurotransmitter with stimulating effect is the norepinephrine which assumes a significant role on the regulation of learning and long-term memory. It is also important in keeping the alertness and stimulation of sense of well being when it is at the optimal level. In the event of stressful conditions, norepinephrine is mainly responsible for causing euphoric reaction. However, when produced in excessive amounts, it produces the fear and anxiety feelings.

Part II

Refer to Ch. 2 (pp. 58-78) In Psychology: An Introduction.

Write a 350- to 700-word response identifying the major regions of the brain and what functions of behavior the systems of each region control.

The brain is very important organ of mind and behavior. More significantly it is an organ where the central command of the body is located. It is its most vital function as being the command center of all the body processes. As an organ, brain is divided into different regions which have certain systematic functions particularly associated to the control of the behavior. The regional divisions include the brainstem, diencephalon, cerebellum, and cerebrum.

It is known that all the information received from the sensory outputs is filtered in the brainstem. The diencephalon which parts include thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalmus also filters sensory information passed through and in addition is the location of the regulatory centers for pain, hunger and thirst, thermoregulation, and sleeping patterns.

As it is known, the sense of balance and equilibrium mainly depends on the cerebellum. The cerebrum on the other hand assumes more role in processing the memory and transfer of information between the two sides of the brains. Just like the diencephalons, the cerebrum also has some regulatory centers responsible for regulation of impulses, inhibitions, and judgement.

There are different parts of the brain involved in the control of the human behavior but most of the control is carried our by the frontal lobes of the cerebellum. Its central part has effects on the regulation of emotions. The limbic system, which include the hypothalamus, amygdala and hippocampus; which is also located in the forebrain along with the frontal lobes of the cerebellum, also has important roles in emotional regulation and motivational responses such s reactions to sexual drives and stress. Disruptions in the limbic processes can greatly affect the mood and behavior.

The hypothalamus also contain centers involved in regulating functions which have effects on the behaviour such as those associated sleep, appetite, sexual drive, and stress reaction. The amygdala located in the forebrain’s temporal lobes mainly function emotional expressions of anger-provoking aggression, fear or disgust as a reaction to stimulation. The pheromones effects in association to sexuality and reproduction are also covered by the amygdala. The orbitofrontal cortex also located in the brain’s frontal lobe is also known to execute effects in behaviors and emotions.

Reference:

Bancroft, M. Brain Physiology. Retrieved December 18, 2008, from y/br ain_physiology.html

Part III

Consider the following chain of events. Describe in 350-700 words the sensory process that takes place as the scenario unfolds.

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In a given scenario, the sensory processes involved include the auditory, vision, and touch as the response of the brain to the chain of events that took place as specified.

When the ball was pitched, the sound produced which was caught by the auditory organs and interpreted by the brain as a sound generated by the released ball. In response to the sound, the player was stimulated to check by using the vision moving the eyes to the area speculated as the source of the sound. The image of the ball was drawn in the retina and the optic nerves of the eyes relayed the message to the brain as what was seen which was interpreted by the brain as the ball flying. As the ball is approaching proximal to the player’s location, the player’s visual sensation is stimulated enabling the thalamus to activate the brain's emotional and perceptual centers. Such activation allowed the player to estimate the speed of the ball and the time since it was released by the pitcher. The data gathered by the player along with his previous experiences were used in estimating the approaching ball’s distance. Through the help of other sensory inputs and memory, the player was able to estimate the speed of the ball which became his basis of forming decision to visually track the ball and hit it with a bat upon recognizing that the ball is at the distance where he has to hit it.

As the ball is hit with a bat crack, again sound is sound produced which stimulated the auditory areas of the cortex of both the hitter and other players. The brain's emotional and perceptual centers activation followed which stimulated those who are around to watch and visually track the ball. While up in the air, the image of the flying ball is registered in the occipital cortex sending a message to the motor cortex sending informational command for the legs of the opposing player to move his legs to follow which direction is the ball going.

The process involved is the coordination of the perception centers and motor cortex enabling the opposing player to move towards the ball which has to be caught. With the prompt function of the frontal lobes, the opposing player interprets the direction of the flight of the ball and decides to run on the area where the ball is headed to catch it when it falls down. Meanwhile, the neural network which is the storage of the player’s skills in catching the ball is activated allowing the player to grab the ball with his mitted hands with ease. With the ball in contact with his mitt, his sensory nerves sends and receives message from the brain letting the player know that the ball is within his hands. As a response, the motor nerves are activated to move the hands and fingers to get hold of the ball. As the ball is caught by his mitted hands, the amygdala interprets it as a satisfying sensation stimulating release of dopamine and other appropriate neurotransmitters.

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