How hormones affect the body

How hormones affect behavior

How hormonal and neural systems interact

- How hormones affect the body
- Endocrine gland
- How hormones affect behavior
- How hormonal and neural systems interact

Aspects about the interactions of hormones and the brain

Oxytocin is a nine-amino-acid-long hormone and neuropeptide that is synthesized in the hypothalamus and released into various brain regions as well as the circulatory system. It is involved in labor, breastfeeding, maternal care, sexual behaviors, and there is growing evidence for its role in broad social behaviors. Additionally, there is evidence linking dysregulation of oxytocin to psychopathology.

Oxytocin

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


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

The study of the biological mechanisms that underlie behavior, including its physiological and anatomical foundations, is fundamental to many areas of psychology. Key areas of study include functional neural anatomy, neurophysiology, neurotransmitters and neuropharmacology, and the role of hormones and the brain.

Biological Foundations of Behavior

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 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. 

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 and the brain

The brain is an electrochemical system that runs on neurochemistry (neurotransmitters). The brain can be altered using neuropharmacology (drugs). 

Neurotransmitter and Neuropharmacology

The study of how information is transmitted throughout the nervous system using electrical and chemical signals.

Neurophysiology

Everything that defines you as a person is controlled by the neural structures within your brain and body. There are a variety of ways to identify the structures in the brain, starting with cellular and leading into major anatomical divisions. 

Functional Neural Anatomy

Based on the case study provided, analyze the relationship between the location of the brain injury and the observed changes in the individual's behavior. Explain which general functions were likely disrupted, leading to these specific behavioral outcomes.

Linking Brain Injury to Behavioral Change

The relationship between the human body's inner biological mechanisms and its external expressions can be compared to a technological device. Just as a device's internal workings (such as microchips and circuits) are distinct from its external user interface, human physiological processes (such as the firing of neurons) operate differently from the observable behaviors and thoughts they produce.

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