BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF BEHAVIOR

• Controls bodily activities and behavioral responses. • Composed of 100 billion neurons.

Brain and spinal cord.

Nerve fibers connecting the CNS to receptors and effectors.

The basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system.

Central portion with a nucleus.

Receive nerve impulses and carry them to the cell body.

Sends messages away from the cell body; covered by a myelin sheath.

Carry messages from sense organs to the CNS.

Carry messages from the brain to muscles/glands.

Carry messages within the CNS.

React to external stimulation

Transmit nerve impulses through nerve fibers.

Electrical signals created by stimuli, known as action potentials.

A juncture between neurons where neurotransmitters are released, allowing nerve impulse transmission.

Neurons either react fully or not at all.

Nerve impulses only travel in one direction between neurons.

Controls and directs all nervous system activities

Pathway for transmitting messages to and from the brain, controlling reflexes.

Seat of consciousness; responsible for higher mental activities.

Relay center for impulses.

Regulates body systems and emotions; works with the endocrine system.

Links sensory and motorpathways; involved in auditory and visual activities.

Maintains balance, posture, and voluntary motor activities.

Regulate involuntary functions (heartbeat, breathing).