The Physiological Basis of Behaviour: Neural and Hormonal Processes

The Physiological Basis of Behaviour: Neural and Hormonal Processes

by Kevin Silber
The Physiological Basis of Behaviour: Neural and Hormonal Processes

The Physiological Basis of Behaviour: Neural and Hormonal Processes

by Kevin Silber

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Overview

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.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781134663705
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication date: 12/01/2005
Series: Routledge Modular Psychology , #7
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 160
File size: 701 KB

About the Author

Kevin Silber is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Staffordshire University and an experienced examiner at A level.

Table of Contents

List of illustrationsxiii
Acknowledgmentsxv
1Methods of investigating brain function1
Introduction1
Neuroanatomical techniques1
Electron microscopy2
Chemical staining3
Brain scans4
Neurophysiological techniques5
Lesioning6
Brain stimulation6
Recording methods7
Neurochemical methods8
Chapter summary9
2The neuron11
Introduction11
The structure of the neuron11
The neuronal membrane13
The resting membrane potential13
The action potential14
Neurotransmitters16
The synapse18
Summation19
Autoreceptors20
Chapter summary20
3Organisation of the central nervous system23
Introduction23
Divisions of the mammalian nervous system24
The spinal cord25
The brain25
Hindbrain28
Midbrain28
Forebrain30
Functions of the CNS34
Arousal35
Emotion35
Language35
Chapter summary36
4The autonomic nervous system39
Introduction39
Structure of the ANS39
Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches39
Anatomy of the ANS40
Central control of the ANS41
Functions of the ANS42
'Executive stress' and the formation of ulcers42
Fight or flight44
Chapter summary45
5The endocrine system47
Introduction47
Hormone release by the endocrine system48
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland48
Glandular hormones50
Feedback mechanisms54
Functions of the endocrine system56
Endocrine reactions to stress56
Endocrine control of the menstrual cycle57
Other aspects of sexual behaviour57
Chapter summary58
6Homeostasis61
Introduction61
What is homeostasis?62
Temperature regulation63
Control mechanisms of temperature regulation63
Behavioural changes in anticipation of temperature requirements64
Eating64
Metabolism64
Hunger65
The glucostatic hypothesis66
The lipostatic theory67
The ischymetric hypothesis68
Satiety68
Summary of eating mechanisms70
Drinking70
Water compartments70
Osmotic thirst72
Volumetric thirst73
Drinking satiety74
Summary of drinking mechanisms75
Chapter summary75
7How drugs affect the brain79
Introduction79
Types of effect that could occur80
Possible sites for drug effects81
Examples of drugs and their synaptic effects83
Diazepam83
Alcohol84
Chapter summary84
8Classifying psychoactive drugs87
Introduction87
Sedative hypnotics88
Stimulants89
Opiate narcotics91
Hallucinogens and psychedelics92
Antipsychotic tranquillisers93
Tolerance, dependence and withdrawal94
Tolerance95
Dependence and withdrawal95
Chapter summary96
9Drugs and behaviour99
Introduction99
Depression and the antidepressants99
Types of depression100
Features of depression100
The monoamine theory of depression101
Drug treatments of depression101
Schizophrenia and the antipsychotics103
Features of schizophrenia103
The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia104
The serotonin link105
Drug therapies of schizophrenia105
The treatment of manic depression106
Chapter summary106
10Study aids109
Improving your essay writing skills109
Practice essay 1110
Practice essay 2112
Practice essay 3114
Key research summary117
Glossary119
Bibliography131
Index137
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