The nervous system begins developing soon after conception. After a few weeks, the head end of the neural tube has three main divisions
- Forebrain
- Mesencephalon (midbrain)
- Hindbrain 

Brain subdivisions

Brain regions tend to be involved in a variety of functions even in typically developing people. Deprivation is able to change the function of specific regions through neural plasticity. 

Grinnell College

- specialized cells
- synapses
- central and peripheral nervous system
- neurotransmitters
- hormones
- brain region and their specialized functions
- brain support systems

Structures of Functional Neural Anatomy

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

This is the way that neurons are able to communicate with each other. There is a small area of space between the axon and the dendrite where the information is shared. This can be done through chemical or electrical synapses.

Synapse

Brain regions and their specific functions

The central and peripheral nervous system span the entire body, with central consisting of neurons in the brain and spinal cord, and peripheral using nerves (bundles of neurons) expanding into the body.

Central and Peripheral nervous system

The main types of the neurons (nerve cells) and the glial cells, which come in various forms.
- astrocyte
- microglial cell
- oligodendrocyte
- Schwann cell

Specialized Cells

- Three protective membranes
- Cerebral ventricles 
- Vascular system

Brain support systems

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are released by the pre-synaptic cell into the synapse that changes electrical activity in the post-synaptic cell.
- Considered endogenous (produced inside the body) substances 
- Binds to receptors on the post-synaptic cell and either suppresses or enhances post-synaptic cell activity.

Neurotransmitters

Hormones influence behavior, appetites, emotional levels, and aspects of aging in addition to many other behaviors and development. 


Learn Before

Related

Learn After