Chapter Overview:

In this chapter you will be introduced to the biological basis of mind and behavior. We will explore how the brain, the nervous system, and our glands work together to control feelings, thoughts, and behavior.

Learning Outcomes:

After the successful completion of this chapter, you will be able to:

Identify the parts of the neuron and their functions.
Describe the role of neurotransmitters as chemical messengers.
Differentiate the roles of the central, peripheral, somatic, autonomic, sympathetic, and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Explain how some brain functions differ between the right and left hemispheres.
Identify the different structures of the brain and their functions.
Recall the endocrine glands and the role of hormones in the endocrine system.

Readings and Videos

Check out the PowerPoint that reviews the key points of this chapter. Here is the link to the Online textbook and the link to the End of Chapter Items. This is my lecture video for my previous course/textbook that focuses on Section 3.4 but does a brief review of the other three sections at the start.

3.2 Cells of the Nervous System

This section will discuss the primary way our body communicates with itself and the world around us: The Nervous System. It is an amazing body system comprised of cells that are specialized to communicate, called neurons, and their chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters. We will focus on the structure of neurons and how they communicate. We will also explore how drugs can impact the function of the neurotransmitter system. This video provides a review of the Cells of the Nervous System.

3.3 Parts of the Nervous System

Now that you understand the way the nervous system communicates, let’s review of the organization of the nervous system and then focus on its different sections: the central and peripheral nervous systems, the somatic and autonomic nervous systems, and the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. Here is a short video on the Parts of the Nervous System.

3.4 The Brain and Spinal Cord

This next section begins by exploring the awesome organ system that is our brain. We will look how the brain is divided into hemispheres and lobes. Then we will travel from the top of the brain and work our way down to the spinal cord discussing various brain structures in terms of their location and function. It's important to note that many of these structures have multiple roles, but we will be discussing the primary roles for each one. Next, we will look at how the spinal cord works with the brain to help us know and experience the world around us. Finally, we will review some of the brain imaging and scanning techniques. Check out this video on the Brain and the Spinal Cord.

3.5 The Endocrine System

This section will briefly introduce you to the body's second communication system: The Endocrine System. It is a system of specialized glands that secrete chemicals, called hormones, to regulate bodily functions and influence mood, body structures, and behavior. Here is a short video on the Endocrine System.

Assignments

Participate in the You and Your Brain Discussion Board, which also counts as your attendance for Week 3.
Complete the Build a Better Brain Activity.
Take Chapter 3 Quiz.