Neurobiology and Behavior

7/31/2019 Neurobiology and Behavior

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Neurobiology and Behavior

How It Works

Denise Coe RN MSN HNC


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The Brain

Thinking,feeling,behaving, motivation,

memory are a function of the activity of

networks of neurons throughout the brain. Mental disorders seen as brain disorders


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Qualities of the brain

Genes gives direction for

development

Genes do not determine

destiny Environment means the

factors that turn genes on

or off

Environment can beevents perceived by the

brain


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Brain Development

From in utero to old age

Must use the neurons of

the brain or they are

pruned away Neuroplasticity-brain has

ability to repair itself

12 growth spurts between

birth and 20s


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Neuroanatomy

Brain is regionally

divided- different

regions do different

things

Every area of the

brain is

interconnected withevery other area


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Neuroanatomy

Glial cells-very abundant regulate groups

of neurons by controlling the concentration

of neurotransmitters and ions All neurons directly or indirectly talk to

each other through neurotransmitters


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Major Brain Structures and their

Functions

Different parts of the brain have different

functions

The parts are all in communication witheach other by way of neurotransmitters

Neurons are small, round bodies with

branches called dendrites and a single longfiber called the axon


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Parts of the


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The Limbic System

the emotional brain" Emotional responses such

as anger, fear, anxiety, pleasure, sorrow and

sexual feelings are generated in the limbic

system, but interpreted in the frontal lobe

The reward center of the brain, motivates us to do

something or learn something so we feel satisfied

Interpretation of smell Interpretation of sensations from internal organs


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Parts of the Limbic System

Amygdala-coordinates actions of the ANSand the endocrine system. Involved in thecontrol of emotions

Involved in nurturing behavior

Involved in fear conditioning- creates amemory and when something resembles

the original fear the amygdala respondswith neurotransmitter messages


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Hippocampus- information processing

center

Channels sensory input to the appropriatebrain area and regulates motor output

pathways

Regulates immune function Collates memory


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Cingulate Gyrus-regulates stress through

changes in ANS

Decides what information gets to thefrontal lobe

Gets input from the thalamus

Regulates the emotional content ofphysical pain


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Nucleus Accumbens-reward center of the brain.An imbalance of neurotransmitter will result inthat way a person experiences pleasure. Ex.Too

low- the person will seek ways to increase it. The site of action for:

cocaine,alcohol,amphetamines,marijuana,

chocolate,carbohydrates.

Can also increase levels of dopamine by high riskbehavior

REWARD DEFICIENCY SYNDROME


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Parts of Limbic System

Thalamus-relay station in processing all

sensory and motor information from spinal

cord, brain stem, and cerebellum.Dysfunction makes it difficult to interpret

pain.


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Hypothalamus is a neuroendocrine-

converts thinking and feeling into

hormones causing physical changesthroughout the body via the ANS

Acts with the pituitary gland to regulate the

ANS and plays a part in sleep, blood

pressure, appetite, temperature control, and

fat and carbohydrate metabolism


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Hypothalamus and Stress

Stress----(HPA axis)- hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis

Stress causes hypothalamus to produce

corticotropin releasing factor(CRF) which tellsthe pituitary to release adrenocortticotropichormone(ACTH)

ACTH goes to adrenal cortex and stimulates

cortisol release (stress hormone) Cortisol manages the bodys response to stress

Stress can even be your worried thoughts!


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Neurophysiology

Mental illness is a function of the changes in our brainchemistry.

Many things can effect brain regulation:

Anatomical changes-trauma, tumors, development problems

Lack of oxygen or glucose-decreased blood flow, lack of oxygenin blood, insufficient food

Changes in electrolytes- insufficient food, diseases that effectelectrolytes, medications,

Neurotransmitter dysfunction- substance abuse, diets high in

sugars and fats, diets deficient in nutrients, genetics, sleep


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Neurotransmission

Electrochemical process that allows nerve

signals to pass from one cell to another at

the synapse Impulse travels from axon of a neuron,

storage vesicles of neurotransmitters

release a certain amount, go across the

synapse and latch on to the receptor sites

on the post synaptic neuron


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Neurotransmission

Binding of the neurotransmitter to thereceptor triggers activation of the secondcell.

Once transmitter completes its function itgoes back into the synapse and is eitherdeactivated by enzymes or goes back into

the presynaptic terminal (reuptake) Many factors effect neurotransmission


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Implications for Nursing

Teach people about neurotransmitter imbalance

and how meds will help to balance them.

Teach complementary modalities known to

decrease the sympathetic responses and allow the

parasympathetic response.

Relaxation techniques:imagery, breathing, Yoga,

exercise, reframing negative thinking all inhibitthe stress response and restore the body-mind to

balance

Neurobiology and Behavior

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