Neurological Processes
Neurological Processes
PSY/340
Neurological Processes
Every animal has a brain, but humans have a more complex and unique brain in terms of giving individuals the power to think, plan, speak, act, and behave. It is an extremely complex organ that consists of many areas that all work together in unison in order for the body to perform the tasks it is told to perform. The brain is responsible for controlling both voluntary and involuntary actions and coordinates and controls other organs in the body. The brain can do this by the use of postsynaptic potentials, synaptic transmission, and receptors that are responsible for producing and regulating specific behaviors. There are also six primary neurotransmitters that play a large role in how an individual behaves and how their brain functions. The combination of biology and psychology (biological psychology) individuals are presently studying how the brain works and how it affects behavior and in what ways.
Biology changes psychology and psychology changes biology when they both come together as one. It has opened many doors and windows into seeing how the brain affects behaviors and has given scientists a clearer understanding of how the brain works. There has been a great deal of technology that has developed over the past decade that has helped treat many behavioral disorders that start within the brain such as depression. Depression is a very serious illness, and with the advances in technology it has helped scientists to become more informed on how to fix or help treat mental and behavioral illnesses. As a result, it gives individuals a better understanding of what it is and how they can help control and even overcome certain illnesses.
Postsynaptic potentials can either be depolarizing, also known as excitatory, which is a positive change in a cells resting potential due to stimulation, or they can be hyperpolarizing, also known as inhibitory, which is when the cell becomes more negative (Wickens, 2005).
PSY/340
Neurological Processes
Every animal has a brain, but humans have a more complex and unique brain in terms of giving individuals the power to think, plan, speak, act, and behave. It is an extremely complex organ that consists of many areas that all work together in unison in order for the body to perform the tasks it is told to perform. The brain is responsible for controlling both voluntary and involuntary actions and coordinates and controls other organs in the body. The brain can do this by the use of postsynaptic potentials, synaptic transmission, and receptors that are responsible for producing and regulating specific behaviors. There are also six primary neurotransmitters that play a large role in how an individual behaves and how their brain functions. The combination of biology and psychology (biological psychology) individuals are presently studying how the brain works and how it affects behavior and in what ways.
Biology changes psychology and psychology changes biology when they both come together as one. It has opened many doors and windows into seeing how the brain affects behaviors and has given scientists a clearer understanding of how the brain works. There has been a great deal of technology that has developed over the past decade that has helped treat many behavioral disorders that start within the brain such as depression. Depression is a very serious illness, and with the advances in technology it has helped scientists to become more informed on how to fix or help treat mental and behavioral illnesses. As a result, it gives individuals a better understanding of what it is and how they can help control and even overcome certain illnesses.
Postsynaptic potentials can either be depolarizing, also known as excitatory, which is a positive change in a cells resting potential due to stimulation, or they can be hyperpolarizing, also known as inhibitory, which is when the cell becomes more negative (Wickens, 2005).
References: Bleich, S., Romer, K., & Wiltfang, J. (2003). Glutamate and the glutamate receptor system: A target for drug action. International Journal of Geriatic Psychiatry, 18(36), 8. doi:10.1002/gps.933 "Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses." The Concise Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science. Hoboken: Wiley, 2004. Credo Reference. 29 Mar. 2004. Web. 28 Sept. 2010. <http://www.credoreference.com/entry/wileypsych/excitatory_and_inhibitory_synapses> Fornai, F., Poggio, A., & Pellegrini, A. (2007). Noradrenaline in Parkinson 's Disease: From disease Progression to Current Therapeutics. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 14(22), 12. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=11&hid=114&sid=cbe2c8f4-d089-4080-ab0b-3125ba0aa0c0%40sessionmgr113 Franklin Institute Online. (2004). The Human Brain. Retrieved from http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/proteins.html Lundbeck Institute. (n.d.). Neurological Control. Retrieved from http://www.brainexplorer.org/neurological_control/neurological_neurotransmitters.shtml Wickens, A. P. (2005). Foundations of Biopsychology (2nd ed.). : Pearson/Prentice Hall. Williams College Neuroscience. (1998). Williams College. Retrieved from http://www.williams.edu/imput/introduction_main.html