Introduction
How does the nervous stystem
work? How do
neurotransmitters affect our
thoughts, feelings and
behavior?
Neuroscience and behavior is a
very important topic that will
enable your understanding of
future topics such as memory,
psychological disorders,
learning, sensation and
emotions.
The neuron is the basic unit of communication.
Chapter 2 Neuroscience and
Behavior examines the nervous system, the body's principal communication system. The brain
is a vital part of the nervous system. We will look at the functions and structures of the brain.
We will investigate topics such as how the brain processes information, the techniques used to
study the brain and how the brain changes due to experience.
We will also analyze neurotransmitters, the neurochemical messengers that influence our moods
and behavior and play a role in disorders such as depression and Parkinson's disease.
Objectives
After completing the learning activities for this topic, you will be able to:
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Identify the parts and functions of the neurons.
Identify neurotransmitters and their effects.
Describe the functions of the Peripheral nervous system.
Describe the structures and functions of the brainstem.
Identify the structures and functions of the forebrain.
Describe how and where language is processed in the brain.
Discuss the plasticity of the brain and how the brain changes due to experience.
Activity Checklist
To meet the learning objectives for this topic, you will complete these activities. Print this page
and use it as a checklist.
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Review the Introduction and Objectives page.
Read Chapter Two: Neuroscience and Behavior in your textbook.
Complete the assignments on the Learning Activities page.
Complete the Interactive Lesson: The Brain
Complete the assignment: PsychSim 5 Reflection Questions - Neural Messages
Complete Quiz #1
Learning Activities
Watch the videos about the brain:
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Early Split Brain Research Gazzaniga
Split Brain Behavioral Experiments
Split Brain Patients
Neurotransmitter Synapse 3D Animation
Synaptic Transmission
Neural Synapse
Interactive Lesson: The Brain
The Secret Life of the Brain
Click the link below to take a threedimensional tour of the brain.
This links to the PBS website.
The Secret Life of The Brain
Brain Structure and Function
Click the link below to view the names
and functions of the parts of the brain.
Move your cursor over each highlighted
part of the brain to see its name.
Click on each part to learn about its
function.
Click VIEW ALL to view all parts of the
brain and their functions.
Click NEXT to view the next set
andPREVIOUS to return to the previous
set.
Click PRINT to print either the labeled
or unlabeled view.
Brain Structure and Function
Human Brain Model
Move your cursor over each highlighted
part to display its name.
Click on the part to see its function.
Click on View All to view all of the
parts.
Click the PRINT button to print either
the labeled or unlabeled view.
Human Brain Model
Assignment: PsychSim 5 Reflection Questions - Neural
Messages
Actions for 'Assignment: PsychSim 5 Reflection Questions - Neural Messages'
Instructions
Complete the PsychSim 5 Reflection Questions Assignment:
1. Read the PsychSim 5 Assignment: Neural Messages on the publisher's companion site.
2. Type complete, comprehensive answers to all three Reflection Questions in a word processor file such
as Word or Notepad. The required length for the answers is one page, including all three answers.
Neural Messages Reflection Questions:
1. After identifying the parts of the neuron in this activity, how many correct answers did you receive?
Describe the functions of the parts of the neuron as depicted in this activity.
2. Discuss how communication occurs within and between neurons.
3. Explain how each neurotransmitter molecule is like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle.