Biological Basis of Behaviour

• Neuron and its function

The Biological Basis of Behavior refers to the underlying physiological and genetic mechanisms
that influence how organisms behave. It encompasses various biological factors that contribute to
actions, thoughts, and emotions. Here are the key components:
 Neuroanatomy: The structure and function of the nervous system, particularly the brain,
which processes information and controls behavior.
 Neurotransmitters: Chemicals that transmit signals between neurons, affecting mood,
perception, and behavior. For example, dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward, while
serotonin influences mood regulation.
 Hormones: Chemical messengers that impact behavior by influencing emotions, stress
responses, and social interactions. Cortisol, for instance, is related to stress, while oxytocin is
linked to bonding and trust.
 Brain Function: Different regions of the brain are responsible for specific functions, such as
the limbic system, which processes emotions, and the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in
decision-making and social behavior.

Neurons

Neurons are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, responsible for receiving sensory
input, processing it, and relaying it throughout the body. They play a crucial role in every behavior,
thought, and action by transmitting signals through electrical impulses and chemical neurotransmitters.

Neurons, the brain and nervous system's primary building blocks, act as communication specialists
within the body. Their essential role is to receive sensory information, process it, and relay it to the right
destinations, allowing us to respond, move, feel, think, and learn. They perform this complex job through
a unique way of transmitting signals — using both electrical impulses and chemical signals called
neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitter Definition

A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses (the
gaps between neurons) to other neurons, muscle cells, or glands. Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in
communication within the nervous system, influencing various functions such as mood, cognition, and
muscle movement.

Key Differences

 Nature:

o Neuron: A physical cell that is part of the nervous system structure.

o Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance produced by neurons.

 Function:

o Neuron: Transmits signals and processes information within the nervous system.

o Neurotransmitter: Facilitates communication between neurons and affects how signals

 Structure:

o Neuron: Composed of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon.

o Neurotransmitter: Individual molecules that are released from the axon terminal of a
neuron.

Structure of a Neuron

A neuron, the primary cell of the nervous system, has three essential parts that allow it to process and
transmit information effectively:

1. Dendrites: These are branch-like extensions from the cell body that receive incoming signals
from other neurons. They act as the neuron's antennae, picking up chemical signals from
surrounding cells and sending these signals toward the cell body.

2. Cell Body (Soma): This central part of the neuron contains the nucleus, which houses the cell's
genetic material. The soma is responsible for maintaining the neuron's health and function by
supporting essential cellular processes, like protein synthesis and energy production.

3. Axon: The axon is a long, slender projection that transmits signals away from the cell body to
other neurons, muscles, or glands. The axon can be very short or extend over long distances in
the body. Many axons are insulated by a fatty layer called the myelin sheath, which allows
electrical signals to travel faster and more efficiently, ensuring rapid communication between
neurons.

4. Axon Terminals (Synaptic Endings): At the end of the axon, there are small branches with axon
terminals (or synaptic endings). These terminals release neurotransmitters, the chemicals that
allow communication with other neurons across the synapse, a small gap between neurons.

5. Synapse: Although not a physical part of the neuron, the synapse is the space between the axon
terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of the next neuron. It is where neurotransmitters are
released, allowing neurons to communicate with each other.
Here’s how neurons enable communication:

1. Receiving Information (Sensory Input): Neurons pick up information from sensory receptors all
over the body. For example, touch receptors in the skin detect pressure or temperature, and this
information travels through neurons to the brain, where it can be processed and interpreted.

2. Processing Information: Once a neuron receives information, it processes it in its cell body. The
cell body (soma) is the “processing center” that decides if the neuron should transmit a signal to
communicate this information.

3. Relaying Signals (Transmission): If the cell body determines that the signal should be sent, it
triggers an action potential — a rapid electrical charge that moves down the neuron's axon. This
electrical impulse reaches the end of the neuron (axon terminal), where it causes the release of
chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

4. Communication Across Synapses (Synaptic Transmission): Neurons don’t physically connect;

5. Chemical and Electrical Signaling: This combination of electrical impulses and chemical signaling
ensures that neurons can relay information quickly and accurately, allowing us to react to our
environment, process complex information, and execute decisions.

Types of Neurons

1. Sensory Neurons: These neurons are responsible for carrying signals from sensory organs, such
as the skin and eyes, to the brain. They help us perceive our environment by converting external
stimuli (like touch, light, and sound) into electrical signals.

Photoreceptors in the Eyes: These sensory neurons detect light and send signals to the brain to
help us see.

2. Motor Neurons: Motor neurons transmit signals from the brain to muscles and glands. They
enable us to perform movements by controlling muscle contractions and regulating the
functions of glands.

Autonomic Motor Neurons: These neurons control involuntary muscles and glands, such as
those that regulate heart rate and digestion, ensuring that processes like heartbeat and
breathing occur automatically.

3. Interneurons: Interneurons serve as connectors between sensory and motor neurons within the
brain and spinal cord. They play a crucial role in processing information and coordinating
complex reflexes and various brain functions, allowing for quick reactions and decision-making

Spinal Interneurons: These neurons connect sensory and motor neurons within the spinal cord,
playing a key role in reflex actions, like pulling your hand away from a hot surface.
 Example: Reflex Pathways

1. Stimulus: Imagine you touch a hot stove. The heat from the stove is detected by sensory
receptors in your skin.

2. Electrical Impulse (Action Potential): The sensory neurons (sensory neurons) send an electrical
signal through an action potential along their axons toward the spinal cord.

3. Neurotransmitter Release: When the electrical signal reaches the synapse in the spinal cord, it
causes the release of neurotransmitters from the axon terminal of the sensory neuron.

4. Signal Reception: These neurotransmitters cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptor sites on
the dendrites of interneurons in the spinal cord. This triggers a new electrical signal in the
interneurons.

5. Response: The interneurons then communicate with motor neurons, sending signals that lead to
muscle contraction. As a result, your hand pulls away quickly from the hot stove, protecting you
from injury.

In this example, you can see how neurons work together in a reflex arc to transmit information
rapidly and elicit a protective response.

Importance of Neurons in Behavior

Sensation and Perception: Interpreting sensory information. Learning and Memory: Storing and
recalling information. Motor Skills: Coordinating movements and reflexes. more points of imp in
this format

 Emotional Regulation: Managing and responding to emotions effectively.

 Communication: Facilitating the exchange of information between brain regions and with the
body.

 Homeostasis: Regulating vital bodily functions to maintain internal stability.

 Reflex Actions: Enabling quick, automatic responses to stimuli for protection.

 Cognitive Functions: Supporting higher-level processes such as problem-solving and decision-

 Social Behaviors: Influencing interactions and relationships through emotional and social
cues.

 Adaptation and Plasticity: Allowing the nervous system to adjust and learn from new
experiences.

 Pain Perception: Transmitting and interpreting pain signals to protect the body from harm.