The brain and behavior are core topics in the study of psychology.
They are also central to our mental health, well-being, and functioning.
These illnesses and injuries highlight the importance of the biological basis for our behavior.
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At a Glance
Understanding how the brain influences behavior is important in psychology.
Different regions of the brain are associated with different aspects of mental functioning.
The brains neurons and the neurotransmitters that transmit information can also influence mental health.
Biopsychologists conduct research to explore how thought, emotion, and other mental.
Thehuman brainis made up of four lobes that are associated with different functions.
The Neuron
Neuronsare the basic building blocks of life.
These highly specialized cells are responsible for receiving and transmitting information from one part of the body to another.
Anatomy of a Neuron
Neurons are made upof a cell body, an axon, and dendrites.
This is how signals are communicated to and from the brain.
Neuron Functions
Neurons can also serve different functions.
These neurons allow us to move and respond to the world around us.
Interneurons are a special bang out of neuron that communicates between the sensory and motor neurons.
Neurons can communicate using electrical signals or chemical messengers.
Neurotransmittersare chemical messengers that play essential roles in the brain and body.
Here, they can attach to receptor sites to trigger an action in the neuron.
Some neurotransmitters are excitatory and increase activity in the nervous system (CNS).
Other are inhibitory and decrease CNS activity.
The nervous system comprises two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
The body’s endocrine system also plays an important role in communication.
It is further divided into two systems: the autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
The Endocrine System
Additionally, theendocrine systemplays a vital role in communication.
It studies various aspects of the brain, including its structure, components, and systems.
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