Chapter 2: Biological Basis of Human Behavior

John Hermes C. Untalan

Instructor, General Psychology 1st Sem 08-09
De La Salle Araneta University

Objectives

• Describe the nature of the basic structural unit of the nervous system in terms of its parts, types, functions, and other
properties
• Explain how sensory and motor signals are conducted to and from the brain
• Discuss the divisions of the nervous system and the structures that form each division
• Point out the specialized functions of each cerebral hemispheres
• Enumerate the different neurotransmitter substances and their effects on behavior
• Enumerate the different endocrine glands and explain the role played by the endocrine system in controlling behavior
• Discuss the influences of hereditary units on behavior

THE NEURON

Neurogenesis

development of the nervous system, during this time:

• neurons are generated from undifferentiated stem
cells;
• the neurons migrate from the site where they were
generated to their final positions;
• the neurons aggregate into distinct brain regions;
and
• neurons begin to make connections among one
another

Sensory (Afferent) Neurons
Carry messages from the body’s sense receptors to the
CNS.
Motor (Efferent) Neurons
Carry signals from the CNS to the muscles and glands.
The Human Nervous System
Central Nervous System
Brain
Cerebrum (Telen.)
Cerebellum (Meten.-Dorsal)
Brain Stem
Medulla (Myelen.)
Pons (Meten.-Ventral)
Midbrain (Mesen.)
Interbrain (Dien.)
Spinal Cord
Cervical (8 pairs)
Thoracic (12 pairs)
Three Different Types of Neurons
Interneurons
Form all the neural wiring within the CNS which has
two axons. One axon communicate with the spinal cord
while the other with the skin or muscle.
Lumbar (5 pairs)
Sacral (5 pairs)
Coccygeal (1 pair)
Peripheral Nervous System
Somatic Nervous System
Spinal Nerves (31 pairs)
Cranial Nerves (12 pairs)
Autonomic Nervous System
Sympathetic (excite)
Parasympathetic (inhibit)