The Physiological Basis of Behaviour: Neural and Hormonal Processes

by Silber; Kevin

• ISBN13: 9780415186537
• ISBN10: 0415186536
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-06-28
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This concise and accessible introduction to neural and hormonal processes discusses the basic techniques of investigating brain structure and function, the structure and functioning of neurons and how the central nervous system is considered for its important role in the control of emotional behaviors.

Author Biography

Kevin Silber is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Staffordshire University

Table of Contents

List of illustrations	xiii
Acknowledgements	xv
Methods of investigating brain function	1	(10)
Introduction	1	(1)
Neuroanatomical techniques	1	(4)
Electron microscopy	2	(1)
Chemical staining	3	(1)
Brain scans	4	(1)
Neurophysiological techniques	5	(4)
Lesioning	6	(1)
Brain stimulation	6	(1)
Recording methods	7	(1)
Neurochemical methods	8	(1)
Chapter summary	9	(2)
The neuron	11	(12)
Introduction	11	(1)
The structure of the neuron	11	(2)
The neuronal membrane	13	(1)
The resting membrane potential	13	(1)
The action potential	14	(2)
Neurotransmitters	16	(2)
The synapse	18	(2)
Summation	19	(1)
Autoreceptors	20	(1)
Chapter summary	20	(3)
Organisation of the central nervous system	23	(16)
Introduction	23	(1)
Divisions of the mammalian nervous system	24	(1)
The spinal cord	25	(1)
The brain	25	(9)
Hindbrain	28	(1)
Midbrain	28	(2)
Forebrain	30	(4)
Functions of the CNS	34	(2)
Arousal	35	(1)
Emotion	35	(1)
Language	35	(1)
Chapter summary	36	(3)
The autonomic nervous system	39	(8)
Introduction	39	(1)
Structure of the ANS	39	(2)
Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches	39	(1)
Anatomy of the ANS	40	(1)
Central control of the ANS	41	(1)
Functions of the ANS	42	(3)
`Executive stress' and the formation of ulcers	42	(2)
Fight or flight	44	(1)
Chapter summary	45	(2)
The endocrine system	47	(14)
Introduction	47	(1)
Hormone release by the endocrine system	48	(6)
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland	48	(2)
Glandular hormones	50	(4)
Feedback mechanisms	54	(2)
Functions of the endocrine system	56	(2)
Endocrine reactions to stress	56	(1)
Endocrine control of the menstrual cycle	57	(1)
Other aspects of sexual behaviour	57	(1)
Chapter summary	58	(3)
Homeostasis	61	(18)
Introduction	61	(1)
What is homeostasis?	62	(1)
Temperature regulation	63	(1)
Control mechanisms of temperature regulation	63	(1)
Behavioural changes in anticipation of temperature requirements	64	(1)
Eating	64	(6)
Metabolism	64	(1)
Hunger	65	(1)
The glucostatic hypothesis	66	(1)
The lipostatic theory	67	(1)
The ischymetric hypothesis	68	(1)
Satiety	68	(2)
Summary of eating mechanisms	70	(1)
Drinking	70	(5)
Water compartments	70	(2)
Osmotic thirst	72	(1)
Volumetric thirst	73	(1)
Drinking satiety	74	(1)
Summary of drinking mechanisms	75	(1)
Chapter summary	75	(4)
How drugs affect the brain	79	(8)
Introduction	79	(1)
Types of effect that could occur	80	(1)
Possible sites for drug effects	81	(2)
Examples of drugs and their synaptic effects	83	(1)
Diazepam	83	(1)
Alcohol	84	(1)
Chapter summary	84	(3)
Classifying psychoactive drugs	87	(12)
Introduction	87	(1)
Sedative hypnotics	88	(1)
Stimulants	89	(2)
Opiate narcotics	91	(1)
Hallucinogens and psychedelics	92	(1)
Antipsychotic tranquillisers	93	(1)
Tolerance, dependence and withdrawal	94	(2)
Tolerance	95	(1)
Dependence and withdrawal	95	(1)
Chapter summary	96	(3)
Drugs and behaviour	99	(10)
Introduction	99	(1)
Depression and the antidepressants	99	(4)
Types of depression	100	(1)
Features of depression	100	(1)
The monoamine theory of depression	101	(1)
Drug treatments of depression	101	(2)
Schizophrenia and the antipsychotics	103	(3)
Features of schizophrenia	103	(1)
The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia	104	(1)
The serotonin link	105	(1)
Drug therapies of schizophrenia	105	(1)
The treatment of manic depression	106	(1)
Chapter summary	106	(3)
Study aids	109	(10)
Improving your essay writing skills	109	(8)
Practice essay 1	110	(2)
Practice essay 2	112	(2)
Practice essay 3	114	(3)
Key research summary	117	(2)
Glossary	119	(12)
Bibliography	131	(6)
Index	137