In 350 would could you explain the communication process ...



In 350 would could you explain the communication process of neurons in the brain. List some common neurotransmitters and describe their effect on behavior. In 350 word could you identifying the major regions of the brain and what functions of behavior the systems of each region control.

Neurons are electrically excitable cells found in the nervous system which is mainly responsible in the transmission of information between the neurons and the cells. With the neurons, all body systems are able to communicate with the brain through sending and receiving signals and a connection within specific regions of the central nervous system is established. To be able to attain its function, neurotransmitters are needed by the neurons so that signals between a neuron and a cell are relayed, amplified and modulated. Neurotransmitters are chemicals released by a neuron at the presynaptic nerve terminal by which movement across a small gap called the synapse facilitates accomplishment of communication of information between the neurons and the other cells. These neurotransmitters have various functions which include regulation, stimulation, motivation, transmissions and inhibitions of different body functions. Neurotransmitters play major roles in regulation of moods, emotion, affect, sensory functions, and perception thus has great impacts on behaviour. Common neurotransmitters that can affect the behaviour include dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Dopamine is released in different parts of the brain usually released by naturally rewarding factors such as food, sex, and drugs. It has stimulating effects and performs many functions including important roles in behaviour and cognition, motivation and pleasure, sexual arousal, regulation of sleep, mood, attention, motor activities, and learning. Serotonin also controls mood and behaviour including sexual and hallucinogenic behaviours, appetite, sleep, memory and learning. While norepinephrine also renders stimulating effects, fosters alertness, and plays an important regulatory role in long-term memory and learning. With optimal levels, it can stimulate a sense of wellbeing and has the capability to cause feeling of euphoria during stressful conditions. Excessive amount can trigger physiological symptoms of fear and anxiety.

As the three mentioned neurotransmitters have certain functions within the brain structures regulating emotions, reactions to stress, regulation of sleep, appetite, and sexuality, they can greatly affect the way a person behaves. The three neurotransmitters have been highly associated in causing depression. While neurotransmitters are known to affect behaviour, it is worthwhile to know that particular behaviour can affect brain chemistry which can significantly affect behaviour.

The brain is where the center of command of the body is located. Aside from being the organ of the mind, the brain is also the organ of behaviour. As the command center, the brain has different regions controlling the different functions of behaviour. The major regions include the brainstem, the diencephalon, the cerebellum, and the cerebrum. As general functions, it is in the brainstem where all information from sensory output is filtered. The diencephalon where the thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalmus are located also have filtering of sensory information functions and has centers regulating pain sensation, hunger, thirst, temperature, and circadian rhythms. The cerebellum regulates the body sense of balance and equilibrium. The cerebrum (comprised by corpus callosum, frontal lobes and basal ganglia) has roles in memory processing and transferring information between the two sides of the brains. It also has centers regulating the impulses, inhibitions, and judgement.

The frontal lobes of the cerebellum which is a part of the forebrain, takes the most of the control affecting how human behave. It is the center that has effects on the emotions without which; the person could appear to be apathetic or emotionally labile and insensitive to social norms. The limbic system (including the hypothalamus, amygdala and hippocampus) which is also within the forebrain has very important roles in regulation of emotion and motivations including the responses to sexual drives and stress. The hypothalamus have centers of many basic functions which many of them affects the behaviour with regards to sleep, appetite, sexual drive, and stress reaction. The amygdala found in the temporal lobes of the forebrain has main function in expressing emotional aggression producing anger, fear or disgust in response to any aversive stimuli. The amygdala is also responsible for the effects of pheromones on the human’s behaviour associated to sexuality and reproduction. Many of the human behaviours and physiological responses including those different emotional responses organized by the amygdala are also affected by the orbitofrontal cortex which is also a part of the frontal lobes of the brain. Any disturbance of the activities in the limbic system can largely affect human’s mood and behaviour.

 

Reference:

Bancroft, M. Brain Physiology. Retrieved December 01, 2008 from ain_physiology.html

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