It is important to understand how electrical signals move through a neuron and onto the next neuron in order to facilitate communication.

Neuronal Communication 

There are different types of neurotransmitters with different functions in the human body. Some of the major neurotransmitters include:
- Serotonin (Mood & sleep)
- Glutamate (Memory & learning)
- Dopamine (Mood, sleep, & learning)
- Acetylcholine (Muscle action & memory)
- Beta-endorphin (Pain & pleasure)
- Gamma-aminobutyric acide (Brain function & sleep)
- Norepinephrine (Heart, intestines, & alertness)

Major Neurotransmitters

Psychologists have gained much of their understanding regarding the functions of neurotransmitters by researching how various drugs affect individuals with psychological disorders.

Neurotransmitters and Drugs

Functioning as the central building blocks and core information processors of the nervous system, neurons are interconnected cells essential for all tasks the system performs. The human brain contains around 100 billion neurons at birth. Their role encompasses everything from simple reflexes to complex cognitive functions.

Neurons

Glial cells, or glia, are a primary cell type in the nervous system that provides crucial physical and metabolic support to neurons. Their functions include creating a structural scaffold for the nervous system, insulating neurons, helping neurons align to facilitate communication, transporting nutrients and waste, and mediating immune responses.

Glial Cells

Based on the fundamental roles of the two primary cell types in the nervous system, which type of cell is most likely malfunctioning in this patient's condition, and why?

Identifying Cellular Malfunction in the Nervous System

The nervous system is comprised of two primary cell types: neurons and glial cells. Neurons act as the main information processors, and the communication between them is essential for all nervous system functions. Glial cells, or glia, primarily serve in supporting roles for the neurons.

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Biopsychology involves the study of:
* Human Genetics
* Cells of the Nervous System
* Parts of the Nervous System
* The Brain and Spinal Cord
* The Endocrine System

Areas of Biopsychological Study

Psychologists who aim to study the human mind require a basic understanding of the two primary subdivisions of the nervous system:
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) 

Parts of the Nervous System

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

The expanded, front section of the central nervous system located within the skull. It is an incredibly intricate organ made up of billions of interconnected neurons and glial cells. The brain is a bilateral structure, meaning it has two sides, and can be divided into distinct lobes. Each lobe is linked to specific functions, but all parts of the brain work together to underpin our thoughts and behaviors.

Brain

Functioning as the vital link between the brain and the external world, the spinal cord acts as an intelligent relay station. It is responsible for routing messages between the brain and the body through all of its segments, and it also independently manages a system of automatic processes known as reflexes.

Spinal Cord

The endocrine system is a network of glands responsible for secreting hormones that regulate normal bodily functions.

Endocrine System

The spinal cord can be conceptualized as an extension of the brain. It serves as the primary pathway for communication, enabling the brain to influence and interact with the rest of the body and the external environment.

The Brain and the Spinal Cord

Psychologists study genetics to better understand the biological foundations of behavior. Although humans share common biological mechanisms and structures, such as brains, hormones, and genetic codes, these elements are expressed in a vast diversity of individual behaviors, thoughts, and reactions. This field explores how inherited traits contribute to this uniqueness and influence both physiological and psychological characteristics.

Human Genetics

Cells of the Nervous System

- Bacterial Meningitis
- *Clostridium*-Associated Diseases
- Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy)
- Listeriosis

Bacterial Infections of the Nervous System

- Arboviral Encephalitis
- Zika Virus Infection
- Rabies
- Poliomyelitis
- Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

Acellular Diseases of the Nervous System

- Cryptococcal Meningitis
- Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis
- Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis
- Human African Trypanosomiasis
- Neurotoxoplasmosis
- Neurocysticercosis

Fungal Infections of the Nervous System

Imagine you see a glass of water on a table and decide to take a drink. Your eyes send the visual information, your brain makes the decision, and a signal is sent to your arm and hand muscles to reach out and grasp the glass. How do the two primary subdivisions of the nervous system work together to accomplish this action?

Comprising the brain and the spinal cord, the Central Nervous System (CNS) serves as a primary division of the broader nervous system. Anatomical illustrations highlight its centralized location within the human body.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a major division of the nervous system consisting of nerves located in the periphery of the body, which includes everything outside the central nervous system (CNS). These thick bundles of axons carry messages back and forth between the CNS and the body's muscles, organs, and senses.

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