The Physiological Basis of Behaviour: Neural

This concise and accessible introduction to neural and hormonal processes discusses the basic techniques of investigating brain structure and function, the structure and functioning of neurons and how the central nervous system is considered for its important role in the control of emotional behaviors.

Kevin Silber is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Staffordshire University

List of illustrations

xiii

Acknowledgements

xv

Methods of investigating brain function

1

(10)

Introduction

1

(1)

Neuroanatomical techniques

1

(4)

Electron microscopy

2

(1)

Chemical staining

3

(1)

Brain scans

4

(1)

Neurophysiological techniques

5

(4)

Lesioning

6

(1)

Brain stimulation

6

(1)

Recording methods

7

(1)

Neurochemical methods

8

(1)

Chapter summary

9

(2)

The neuron

11

(12)

Introduction

11

(1)

The structure of the neuron

11

(2)

The neuronal membrane

13

(1)

The resting membrane potential

13

(1)

The action potential

14

(2)

Neurotransmitters

16

(2)

The synapse

18

(2)

Summation

19

(1)

Autoreceptors

20

(1)

Chapter summary

20

(3)

Organisation of the central nervous system

23

(16)

Introduction

23

(1)

Divisions of the mammalian nervous system

24

(1)

The spinal cord

25

(1)

The brain

25

(9)

Hindbrain

28

(1)

Midbrain

28

(2)

Forebrain

30

(4)

Functions of the CNS

34

(2)

Arousal

35

(1)

Emotion

35

(1)

Language

35

(1)

Chapter summary

36

(3)

The autonomic nervous system

39

(8)

Introduction

39

(1)

Structure of the ANS

39

(2)

Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches

39

(1)

Anatomy of the ANS

40

(1)

Central control of the ANS

41

(1)

Functions of the ANS

42

(3)

`Executive stress' and the formation of ulcers

42

(2)

Fight or flight

44

(1)

Chapter summary

45

(2)

The endocrine system

47

(14)

Introduction

47

(1)

Hormone release by the endocrine system

48

(6)

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland

48

(2)

Glandular hormones

50

(4)

Feedback mechanisms

54

(2)

Functions of the endocrine system

56

(2)

Endocrine reactions to stress

56

(1)

Endocrine control of the menstrual cycle

57

(1)

Other aspects of sexual behaviour

57

(1)

Chapter summary

58

(3)

Homeostasis

61

(18)

Introduction

61

(1)

What is homeostasis?

62

(1)

Temperature regulation

63

(1)

Control mechanisms of temperature regulation

63

(1)

Behavioural changes in anticipation of temperature requirements

64

(1)

Eating

64

(6)

Metabolism

64

(1)

Hunger

65

(1)

The glucostatic hypothesis

66

(1)

The lipostatic theory

67

(1)

The ischymetric hypothesis

68

(1)

Satiety

68

(2)

Summary of eating mechanisms

70

(1)

Drinking

70

(5)

Water compartments

70

(2)

Osmotic thirst

72

(1)

Volumetric thirst

73

(1)

Drinking satiety

74

(1)

Summary of drinking mechanisms

75

(1)

Chapter summary

75

(4)

How drugs affect the brain

79

(8)

Introduction

79

(1)

Types of effect that could occur

80

(1)

Possible sites for drug effects

81

(2)

Examples of drugs and their synaptic effects

83

(1)

Diazepam

83

(1)

Alcohol

84

(1)

Chapter summary

84

(3)

Classifying psychoactive drugs

87

(12)

Introduction

87

(1)

Sedative hypnotics

88

(1)

Stimulants

89

(2)

Opiate narcotics

91

(1)

Hallucinogens and psychedelics

92

(1)

Antipsychotic tranquillisers

93

(1)

Tolerance, dependence and withdrawal

94

(2)

Tolerance

95

(1)

Dependence and withdrawal

95

(1)

Chapter summary

96

(3)

Drugs and behaviour

99

(10)

Introduction

99

(1)

Depression and the antidepressants

99

(4)

Types of depression

100

(1)

Features of depression

100

(1)

The monoamine theory of depression

101

(1)

Drug treatments of depression

101

(2)

Schizophrenia and the antipsychotics

103

(3)

Features of schizophrenia

103

(1)

The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia

104

(1)

The serotonin link

105

(1)

Drug therapies of schizophrenia

105

(1)

The treatment of manic depression

106

(1)

Chapter summary

106

(3)

Study aids

109

(10)

Improving your essay writing skills

109

(8)

Practice essay 1

110

(2)

Practice essay 2

112

(2)

Practice essay 3

114

(3)

Key research summary

117

(2)

Glossary

119

(12)

Bibliography

131

(6)

Index

137

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The Physiological Basis of Behaviour: Neural and Hormonal Processes

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials