Bio regulators of behavior

BIO - REGULATORSBIO - REGULATORS
OF BEHAVIOROF BEHAVIOR

“We must recollect that all of our
provisional ideas in psychology
will presumably one day be based
on an organic substructure.”
--Sigmund Freud
“The act of will
activates neural circuits”
--William James1890

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives
 Discuss the properties and characteristics ofDiscuss the properties and characteristics of
neuronsneurons
 Explain the importance of the differentExplain the importance of the different
neurotransmittersneurotransmitters
 Identify the divisions of the nervous systemIdentify the divisions of the nervous system
 Determine the parts and function of the brainDetermine the parts and function of the brain
 Identify the parts and functions of the endocrineIdentify the parts and functions of the endocrine
systemsystem
 Gain insight on the biological basis of behaviorGain insight on the biological basis of behavior

What your body has to do in order toWhat your body has to do in order to
make you stop for a red traffic light?make you stop for a red traffic light?
Perceive the light
(the light has to be
caught by the eye)
The eye sends
signals to the brain
The brain compares
the signals from the
other eye & stores it
temporarily in the
memory
You have to push the
brake pedal
Your brains have to
send a signal to the leg
muscles to push the
feet on the brake pedal

What is NervousWhat is Nervous
System?System?

NEURONNEURON
Basic Structural andBasic Structural and
Functional Unit ofFunctional Unit of
Nervous SystemNervous System

The Cell BodyThe Cell Body
 The cell body, or soma, is a neuron's main cellular space.The cell body, or soma, is a neuron's main cellular space.
 The cell body of a neuron is a ball-shaped structure about 0.025 millimetreThe cell body of a neuron is a ball-shaped structure about 0.025 millimetre
wide. Each neuron cell body is a centre for receiving and sending nervewide. Each neuron cell body is a centre for receiving and sending nerve
impulses.impulses.
 The cell body is also responsible for making proteins and using energy for theThe cell body is also responsible for making proteins and using energy for the
maintenance and growth of the nerve cell. The vast majority of neuron cellmaintenance and growth of the nerve cell. The vast majority of neuron cell
bodies are within the central nervous system, where incoming messages arebodies are within the central nervous system, where incoming messages are
combined and outgoing messages are produced.combined and outgoing messages are produced.
 The few neuron cell bodies outside the central nervous system are groupedThe few neuron cell bodies outside the central nervous system are grouped
into clusters called ganglia. The best-known ganglia are in the autonomicinto clusters called ganglia. The best-known ganglia are in the autonomic
nervous system.nervous system.
Dr. Hazel T. Victoriano 8

AxonAxon
 The axon sends messages to other neurons. The dendrites receive messages from other neurons.The axon sends messages to other neurons. The dendrites receive messages from other neurons.
 The axon, also called the nerve fibre, is a tubelike extension of a neuron cell body. The axon is specialized toThe axon, also called the nerve fibre, is a tubelike extension of a neuron cell body. The axon is specialized to
carry messages.carry messages.
 An axon of one neuron may have enough branches to make contact with as many as 1,000 other neurons.An axon of one neuron may have enough branches to make contact with as many as 1,000 other neurons.
Most axons in the central nervous system are less than 1 millimetre long. However, many axons in theMost axons in the central nervous system are less than 1 millimetre long. However, many axons in the
peripheral nervous system are longer, and some are much longer.peripheral nervous system are longer, and some are much longer.
 The structures commonly called nerves are actually bundles of axons lying next to one another in a cordlikeThe structures commonly called nerves are actually bundles of axons lying next to one another in a cordlike
formation.formation.
 Nerves can be made up of the axons of motor neurons or sensory neurons, or of both. Some axons areNerves can be made up of the axons of motor neurons or sensory neurons, or of both. Some axons are
covered by a sheath of a white, fatty substance called myelin.covered by a sheath of a white, fatty substance called myelin.
 The myelin increases the speed of impulses along the axons. Myelin also causes the distinction between theThe myelin increases the speed of impulses along the axons. Myelin also causes the distinction between the
grey matter and white matter in the nervous system.grey matter and white matter in the nervous system.
 Grey matter consists largely of unmyelinated axons (axons without myelin sheaths) and neuron cell bodies.Grey matter consists largely of unmyelinated axons (axons without myelin sheaths) and neuron cell bodies.
 White matter is made up mostly of axons that have white sheaths of myelin. Myelin is formed in the peripheralWhite matter is made up mostly of axons that have white sheaths of myelin. Myelin is formed in the peripheral
nervous system by Schwann cells, which are special supporting cells that surround the axons. In the centralnervous system by Schwann cells, which are special supporting cells that surround the axons. In the central
nervous system, supporting cells called glia produce myelin.nervous system, supporting cells called glia produce myelin.
Dr. Hazel T. Victoriano 9

DendritesDendrites
 The dendrites of a neuron are branching, tubelike extensions of the cell body thatThe dendrites of a neuron are branching, tubelike extensions of the cell body that
form a pattern resembling the limbs of a tree.form a pattern resembling the limbs of a tree.
 Most neuron cell bodies have about six main dendrites, each of which is two or threeMost neuron cell bodies have about six main dendrites, each of which is two or three
times as thick as the axon of the cell.times as thick as the axon of the cell.
 The distance between the cell body and the tips of the dendrites is about 0.5The distance between the cell body and the tips of the dendrites is about 0.5
millimetre.millimetre.
 Dendrites are specialized structures for receiving impulses, mostly from the axon ofDendrites are specialized structures for receiving impulses, mostly from the axon of
another neuron. Dendrites and axons do not quite touch each other.another neuron. Dendrites and axons do not quite touch each other.
 In almost all cases, they are separated by an extremely narrow space called theIn almost all cases, they are separated by an extremely narrow space called the
synaptic cleft, over which nerve impulses are transmitted.synaptic cleft, over which nerve impulses are transmitted.
 These places where one neuron communicates with another are called synapses.These places where one neuron communicates with another are called synapses.

Sensory Neurons or Afferent orSensory Neurons or Afferent or
Receptor NeuronsReceptor Neurons
 Receive stimuli or information / messages fromReceive stimuli or information / messages from
the environment through the sense organs &the environment through the sense organs &
transmit them to the CNStransmit them to the CNS
 These are neurons that transmit impulses receivedThese are neurons that transmit impulses received
by receptors to the central nervous system.by receptors to the central nervous system.
 carry signals from the outer parts of your bodycarry signals from the outer parts of your body
(periphery) into the central nervous system.(periphery) into the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons or EfferentMotor Neurons or Efferent
NeuronsNeurons
 carry signals from the central nervouscarry signals from the central nervous
system to the outer parts (muscles,system to the outer parts (muscles,
skin, glands) of your body signalingskin, glands) of your body signaling
them to produce muscle contraction,them to produce muscle contraction,
body movement or responsesbody movement or responses
accordingly.accordingly.

Interneurons or Connecting orInterneurons or Connecting or
Associating NeuronsAssociating Neurons
 Are the most numerous neurons in the body.Are the most numerous neurons in the body.
 Serve as integrators or coordinators of brainServe as integrators or coordinators of brain
activities and bodily processes.activities and bodily processes.
 Connect various neurons within the brainConnect various neurons within the brain
and spinal cord.and spinal cord.
 Without them, we could not coordinate ourWithout them, we could not coordinate our
responses, nor could we perceive, feel orresponses, nor could we perceive, feel or
thinkthink

ReceptorsReceptors
 sense the environment (chemicals, light, sound,sense the environment (chemicals, light, sound,
touch) and encode this information intotouch) and encode this information into
electrochemical messages that are transmitted byelectrochemical messages that are transmitted by
sensory neurons.sensory neurons.

NeurotransmitterNeurotransmitter
 These are chemical substances released by oneThese are chemical substances released by one
neuron through the synapse and affect orneuron through the synapse and affect or
influence the receiving neuron.influence the receiving neuron.
 Are responsible for sensation, perception,Are responsible for sensation, perception,
cognitive and motor behavior.cognitive and motor behavior.
 Excesses or deficiencies of neurotransmittersExcesses or deficiencies of neurotransmitters
have been linked to disease and abnormalhave been linked to disease and abnormal
behavior.behavior.

Acetylcholine ACHAcetylcholine ACH
 Controls muscle contractionControls muscle contraction
 It is found in in the limbic system (forebrain)It is found in in the limbic system (forebrain)
and is utilized by the motor neurons of theand is utilized by the motor neurons of the
spinal cord to the muscles and glands of thespinal cord to the muscles and glands of the
body.body.
 Deficiency of ACH causes paralysis,Deficiency of ACH causes paralysis,
forgetfulness and intellectual losses. It may alsoforgetfulness and intellectual losses. It may also
result to Alzheimer's disease – gradualresult to Alzheimer's disease – gradual
impairment of memory and abstract thought.impairment of memory and abstract thought.
 Botulism, a disease that stems from foodBotulism, a disease that stems from food
poisoning, prevents the release of ACH.poisoning, prevents the release of ACH.

CatecholaminesCatecholamines
 Are composed of epinephrine (adrenalin) andAre composed of epinephrine (adrenalin) and
norepinephrine (noradrenalin) – located in thenorepinephrine (noradrenalin) – located in the
hindbrain.hindbrain.
 Involved in wakefulness, learning, process,Involved in wakefulness, learning, process,
memory, eating and regulation of moods.memory, eating and regulation of moods.
 Decrease or deficiency of cathecholaminesDecrease or deficiency of cathecholamines
results to depressive moods;results to depressive moods;
 Excess results to high arousal and wakefulness.Excess results to high arousal and wakefulness.
 The stimulant cocaine and amphetamines mayThe stimulant cocaine and amphetamines may
increase the firing of neurons leading to state ofincrease the firing of neurons leading to state of
high arousal.high arousal.

SerotoninSerotonin
 Is an inhibitory transmitter which is involved inIs an inhibitory transmitter which is involved in
body temperature, sleep, moods and painbody temperature, sleep, moods and pain
sensation.sensation.
 Deficiency of serotonin cause anxiety, moodDeficiency of serotonin cause anxiety, mood
disorder, and insomnia.disorder, and insomnia.
 Foods rich in carbohydrates increase serotoninFoods rich in carbohydrates increase serotonin
that leads to drowsiness in women and calmnessthat leads to drowsiness in women and calmness
in men.in men.
 When serotonin is active, it supports in blockingWhen serotonin is active, it supports in blocking
pain sensation.pain sensation.
 With psychoactive drugs, brain activity increasesWith psychoactive drugs, brain activity increases
leading to hallucination.leading to hallucination.

DopamineDopamine
 Is involved in voluntary movements, learning, memoryIs involved in voluntary movements, learning, memory
and emotional behavior. (Located in the midbrain)and emotional behavior. (Located in the midbrain)
 An increase in dopamine can lead to schizophreniaAn increase in dopamine can lead to schizophrenia
(mental disorder) and a decrease or deficiency may lead(mental disorder) and a decrease or deficiency may lead
to Parkinson’s disease – in which the personto Parkinson’s disease – in which the person
progressively lose control over their muscles such thatprogressively lose control over their muscles such that
they develop muscle tremors and jerky, uncoordinatedthey develop muscle tremors and jerky, uncoordinated
movement.movement.

Gamma – Aminobutyric AcidGamma – Aminobutyric Acid
 Is an example of inhibitory neurotransmitter thatIs an example of inhibitory neurotransmitter that
excites the action of the neuron.excites the action of the neuron.
 A deficiency of GABA results to anxiety,A deficiency of GABA results to anxiety,
Huntington’s disease – an inherited disease, isHuntington’s disease – an inherited disease, is
the result of loss of GABA activated neuronsthe result of loss of GABA activated neurons
resulting to the inability to control theresulting to the inability to control the
movement of arms and legs with loss ofmovement of arms and legs with loss of
cognitive capabilities.cognitive capabilities.
 Excessive excitation of the neurons may resultExcessive excitation of the neurons may result
to epilepsy – intensive repetitive convulsiveto epilepsy – intensive repetitive convulsive
seizureseizure

EndorphinsEndorphins
 Combination of endogenous “developingCombination of endogenous “developing
from within” and morphine.from within” and morphine.
 They occur in the brain and bloodstream.They occur in the brain and bloodstream.
 Deficiency of endorphins increases bodyDeficiency of endorphins increases body
pain; excess due to morphine, heroin andpain; excess due to morphine, heroin and
other opiates inhibit pain.other opiates inhibit pain.

Nervous SystemNervous System
Central Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System
Brain
Spinal Cord
Somatic
System
Autonomic
System

CENTRALCENTRAL
NERVOUSNERVOUS
SYSTEMSYSTEM

BRAINBRAIN
 Master OrganMaster Organ
 Directs andDirects and
Control allControl all
Activities in NSActivities in NS
 Receive NerveReceive Nerve
ImpulsesImpulses
through Spinalthrough Spinal
CordCord

Major Divisions of BrainMajor Divisions of Brain

Spinal CordSpinal Cord
 Stem-like StructureStem-like Structure
 Composed of nervesComposed of nerves
lead to and from thelead to and from the
BrainBrain
 Serves as PathwayServes as Pathway

PERIPHERALPERIPHERAL
NERVOUS SYSTEMNERVOUS SYSTEM
Second Major Division of NervousSecond Major Division of Nervous
SystemSystem

Subdivided into two namely:Subdivided into two namely:
 Somatic SystemSomatic System
> Responsible for the> Responsible for the
voluntary skeletalvoluntary skeletal
movement.movement.
 Autonomic orAutonomic or
VisceralVisceral
> Responsible for all> Responsible for all
involuntary movementsinvoluntary movements
that keep us alive.that keep us alive.

Sympathetic and ParasympatheticSympathetic and Parasympathetic
SystemSystem

Care of the Nervous SystemCare of the Nervous System
 Protect the brain from injury.Protect the brain from injury.
 Avoid stress, frustration, and conflict.Avoid stress, frustration, and conflict. They may cause the nerveThey may cause the nerve
impulse to cause stomach ulcer.impulse to cause stomach ulcer.
 Rest and sleep are good for the mind.Rest and sleep are good for the mind. A change of work orA change of work or
activity is a kind of rest.activity is a kind of rest.
 Give your body enough sunlight and fresh air.Give your body enough sunlight and fresh air. Oxygen isOxygen is
needed for proper functioning of the brain.needed for proper functioning of the brain.
 Eat a well – balanced diet.Eat a well – balanced diet. It will make the cells, including brainIt will make the cells, including brain
cells, healthy to enable the brain to function well.cells, healthy to enable the brain to function well.
 Never take too much alcohol and never take prohibited andNever take too much alcohol and never take prohibited and
dangerous drugs.dangerous drugs. They can cause physiological and mental damages.They can cause physiological and mental damages.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM /ENDOCRINE SYSTEM /
ENDOCRINE GLANDSENDOCRINE GLANDS
 Also called the ductless gland which are madeAlso called the ductless gland which are made
up of numerous glands that secrete variousup of numerous glands that secrete various
chemicals called hormones which affect organschemicals called hormones which affect organs
and other glands in the body.and other glands in the body.
 They secrete hormones directly into theThey secrete hormones directly into the
bloodstream.bloodstream.
 These hormones are important in integrating theThese hormones are important in integrating the
actions and responses of the individual to obtainactions and responses of the individual to obtain
homeostasis within the body.homeostasis within the body.

 HOMEOSTASIS:HOMEOSTASIS: thethe
maintenance of biochemicalmaintenance of biochemical
balance in the body carried outbalance in the body carried out
through the various chemicalthrough the various chemical
secretions known assecretions known as hormoneshormones..

HORMONESHORMONES
 are directly secreted by these glandsare directly secreted by these glands
into the blood stream and play aninto the blood stream and play an
important role in the utilization ofimportant role in the utilization of
food, growth of living tissue,food, growth of living tissue,
conservation of energy, andconservation of energy, and
development of sexual maturity.development of sexual maturity.

4/14/2014 40 Dr. Hazel T. Victoriano

LocationsLocations
ofof
EndocrineEndocrine
GlandsGlands

Endocrine GlandsEndocrine Glands
 Pituitary GlandPituitary Gland AdrenocorticotrophicAdrenocorticotrophic
Hormone (ACTH)Hormone (ACTH)
 Pineal GlandPineal Gland MelatoninMelatonin
 Thyroid GlandThyroid Gland ThyroxinThyroxin
 Parathyroid GlandParathyroid Gland ParathormoneParathormone
 Thymus GlandThymus Gland ThymosinThymosin
 Adrenal GlandAdrenal Gland AdrenalineAdrenaline
 Islets of LangerhansIslets of Langerhans InsulinInsulin
 Gonads/Sex GlandsGonads/Sex Glands Testosterone,Testosterone,
EstrogenEstrogen

PITUITARY GLANDPITUITARY GLAND
 It is a small gland suspended directly under theIt is a small gland suspended directly under the
optic chiasma at the base of the brain.optic chiasma at the base of the brain.
 This is called theThis is called the master glandmaster gland of the bodyof the body
because it secretes hormones that control thebecause it secretes hormones that control the
activities of other glands. Although its structureactivities of other glands. Although its structure
is very complex, only two parts need to beis very complex, only two parts need to be
distinguished, the anterior and the posteriordistinguished, the anterior and the posterior
lobes.lobes.

PITUITARY GLANDPITUITARY GLAND
 TheThe anterior lobeanterior lobe secrete several importantsecrete several important
hormones which have to do with growth, thehormones which have to do with growth, the
formation of milk, and the functioning of otherformation of milk, and the functioning of other
endocrine glands.endocrine glands.
 Oversecretion (Oversecretion (hyperpituitarismhyperpituitarism) of the growth) of the growth
hormone ofhormone of somatotrophinsomatotrophin in early childhoodin early childhood
results inresults in giantismgiantism or overdevelopment of theor overdevelopment of the
entire skeleton.entire skeleton.

THYROID GLANDTHYROID GLAND
 It is located at the base of throat, near theIt is located at the base of throat, near the
Adam’s apple in the males. It is a flat gland like aAdam’s apple in the males. It is a flat gland like a
butterfly and secretes two known hormones:butterfly and secretes two known hormones:
thyroxinethyroxine andand idothyroxineidothyroxine..
 Disorders of the thyroid gland may be due toDisorders of the thyroid gland may be due to
the oversecretion of these hormones, whichthe oversecretion of these hormones, which
leads toleads to hyperthyroidismhyperthyroidism, or undersecretion which, or undersecretion which
leads toleads to hypothyroidismhypothyroidism..

THYROID GLANDTHYROID GLAND
 InIn hyperthyroidism,hyperthyroidism, there is augmented metabolism, and,there is augmented metabolism, and,
consequently, rapid physiological processes like acceleratedconsequently, rapid physiological processes like accelerated
heartbeat, increases temperature, flushed and moist skin. Theheartbeat, increases temperature, flushed and moist skin. The
person becomes irritable, easily exhausted, and prone to lossperson becomes irritable, easily exhausted, and prone to loss
of weight.of weight.
 HypothyroidismHypothyroidism, on the other hand, results in, on the other hand, results in cretinismcretinism if itif it
occurs during childhood. A cretin is characterized by arrestedoccurs during childhood. A cretin is characterized by arrested
physical and mental development. If hypothyroidism occursphysical and mental development. If hypothyroidism occurs
after the person has reached adulthood, it results inafter the person has reached adulthood, it results in
myxedemamyxedema which is characterized by slowing of motorwhich is characterized by slowing of motor
activity, increase of weight, slowing of speech, yellowing ofactivity, increase of weight, slowing of speech, yellowing of
the skin and thickening of the lips.the skin and thickening of the lips.

ADRENAL GLANDSADRENAL GLANDS
 Located on top of each kidney. Each gland is composedLocated on top of each kidney. Each gland is composed
of two parts: the center or medulla and the outer layer orof two parts: the center or medulla and the outer layer or
cortex.cortex.
 TheThe medullamedulla secretes two hormones known assecretes two hormones known as
adrenalinadrenalin oror epinephrineepinephrine andand noradrenalinnoradrenalin oror
norepinephrinenorepinephrine, which serve to give us extra energy, which serve to give us extra energy
needed during emergencies and prolonged stress.needed during emergencies and prolonged stress.
 These hormones produce many of the same effects as areThese hormones produce many of the same effects as are
produced by the sympathetic nervous system.produced by the sympathetic nervous system.

ISLETS OF LANGERHANSISLETS OF LANGERHANS
 It is found in the pancreas which is located justIt is found in the pancreas which is located just
posterior to the stomach and attached by a duct toposterior to the stomach and attached by a duct to
the intestinal tract.the intestinal tract.
 Through the duct it delivers a pancreatic secretionThrough the duct it delivers a pancreatic secretion
in to the digestive tract, thereby aiding digestion.in to the digestive tract, thereby aiding digestion.
 In addition to the digestive enzyme, the Islets ofIn addition to the digestive enzyme, the Islets of
Langerhans produces hormonesLangerhans produces hormones insulinsinsulins andand
glucogenglucogen which increase the permeability of cellswhich increase the permeability of cells
to sugar (glucose) in the blood.to sugar (glucose) in the blood.

 Thus, when present in normal amounts in theThus, when present in normal amounts in the
blood, insulin ensures that the various tissues ofblood, insulin ensures that the various tissues of
the body get enough glucose as fuel for the workthe body get enough glucose as fuel for the work
they have to do.they have to do.
 Because the nervous system, particularly theBecause the nervous system, particularly the
brain, consumes glucose almost exclusively forbrain, consumes glucose almost exclusively for
its activities, insulin and glucagon are of primaryits activities, insulin and glucagon are of primary
importance in nervous functions.importance in nervous functions.

 When the supply of insulin is below normal (When the supply of insulin is below normal (hypoinsulinismhypoinsulinism))
as inas in diabetes mellitus,diabetes mellitus, the blood sugar level mounts becausethe blood sugar level mounts because
of the non-utilization of sugar by the cells.of the non-utilization of sugar by the cells.
 Consequently, the nervous system is deprived of its essentialConsequently, the nervous system is deprived of its essential
fuel, with the that its metabolic rate and general level offuel, with the that its metabolic rate and general level of
activity falls.activity falls.
 On the other hand, where there is oversupply of insulinOn the other hand, where there is oversupply of insulin
((hyperinsulinismhyperinsulinism), there is rapid utilization of sugar in the), there is rapid utilization of sugar in the
blood resulting in extreme weakness, cold clammy sweating,blood resulting in extreme weakness, cold clammy sweating,
and causing the individual to collapse.and causing the individual to collapse.

GONADSGONADS
 During the period of embryonic developmentDuring the period of embryonic development
prior to the third month of prenatalprior to the third month of prenatal
development, we are neither female nor male.development, we are neither female nor male.
 At the third month, we begin to differentiate;At the third month, we begin to differentiate;
the sex glands develop.the sex glands develop.

GONADSGONADS
 Sex glands differ in males and females. The male sexSex glands differ in males and females. The male sex
glands are theglands are the testestestes. They secrete a hormone known as. They secrete a hormone known as
testosteronetestosterone which promotes male secondary sexwhich promotes male secondary sex
characteristics that make the male look typicallycharacteristics that make the male look typically
masculine.masculine.
 The female sex glands are theThe female sex glands are the ovariesovaries. They secrete. They secrete
estrogenestrogen andand progesterone.progesterone. Estrogen is responsible forEstrogen is responsible for
the appearance of the secondary sex characteristics whichthe appearance of the secondary sex characteristics which
make a girl look typically feminine. Progesteronemake a girl look typically feminine. Progesterone
stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining instimulates the thickening of the uterine lining in
preparation for pregnancy.preparation for pregnancy.

PARATHYROID GLANDSPARATHYROID GLANDS
 Attached to the posterior surface of the thyroidAttached to the posterior surface of the thyroid
glands are the parathyroid glands.glands are the parathyroid glands.
 These glands secrete the hormoneThese glands secrete the hormone
parathormoneparathormone which controls the valance ofwhich controls the valance of
various minerals in the blood stream, particularlyvarious minerals in the blood stream, particularly
calcium.calcium.

PARATHYROID GLANDSPARATHYROID GLANDS
 Deficiency of this hormone leads to low calciumDeficiency of this hormone leads to low calcium
content of the blood resulting incontent of the blood resulting in tetanytetany which iswhich is
characterized by stiffening of the hands andcharacterized by stiffening of the hands and
fingers, muscle cramps, and irritability.fingers, muscle cramps, and irritability.
 Too much parathormone raises the calcium inToo much parathormone raises the calcium in
the blood, causing lethargy and sometimesthe blood, causing lethargy and sometimes
unconsciousness.unconsciousness.

Pre-Frontal LobesPre-Frontal Lobes
 The “Executive” brain –CEO– controlThe “Executive” brain –CEO– control
centercenter
 Motor pre-frontal lobes are last to myelinateMotor pre-frontal lobes are last to myelinate
– e.g., teenagers– e.g., teenagers
 –– IdentityIdentity
 –– InsightInsight
 ––Sense of SelfSense of Self
 ––OFC part of the “limbic system”OFC part of the “limbic system”

Orbital frontal cortex (OFC)Orbital frontal cortex (OFC)
 Social brainSocial brain
 Affect regulatorAffect regulator
 EmpathyEmpathy
 Attachment, warmth, and loveAttachment, warmth, and love

6 Executive Functions6 Executive Functions
impaired with ADDimpaired with ADD
 Activation—organizing, prioritizing, and activating toActivation—organizing, prioritizing, and activating to
work (vs. impulsive or procrastinating)work (vs. impulsive or procrastinating)
 Focus—Sustaining and shifting attention to tasksFocus—Sustaining and shifting attention to tasks
 Regulating alertness--sustaining effort, and processingRegulating alertness--sustaining effort, and processing
speed (vs. drossiness and running out of energy)speed (vs. drossiness and running out of energy)

6 Executive Functions6 Executive Functions
impaired with ADDimpaired with ADD
 Managing frustration—affect regulation andManaging frustration—affect regulation and
modulating emotions (vs. affective liability)modulating emotions (vs. affective liability)
 Memory—utilizing working memory and accessingMemory—utilizing working memory and accessing
recallrecall
 Action—monitoring and self regulating action (actingAction—monitoring and self regulating action (acting
w/o sufficient forethoughtw/o sufficient forethought

Affect AsymmetryAffect Asymmetry
LEFT FRONTAL LOBELEFT FRONTAL LOBE
Positive emotionsPositive emotions
Approach behaviorsApproach behaviors
Labeling thoughts and feelingsLabeling thoughts and feelings
Developing new narratives (helpsDeveloping new narratives (helps
to alleviate anxiety and depression)to alleviate anxiety and depression)

Affect AsymmetryAffect Asymmetry
RIGHT FRONTAL LOBERIGHT FRONTAL LOBE
Negative emotionsNegative emotions
Withdrawal behaviorsWithdrawal behaviors
Feeling overwhelmedFeeling overwhelmed

Facial ExpressionsFacial Expressions
Left HemisphereLeft Hemisphere
Controls expression on the lower rightControls expression on the lower right
side of faceside of face
Is NOT adept at reading facial emotionIs NOT adept at reading facial emotion
expression (e.g. alexithymics)expression (e.g. alexithymics)

Facial ExpressionsFacial Expressions
Right HemisphereRight Hemisphere
Controls expression on theControls expression on the
lower left side of facelower left side of face
Is adept at reading facialIs adept at reading facial
emotion expressionemotion expression

Smiling kindles Positive MoodsSmiling kindles Positive Moods
 Perceiving the smiles of others triggers the releasePerceiving the smiles of others triggers the release
of DA (Depue & Morrone-Strupinsky)of DA (Depue & Morrone-Strupinsky)
 Presenting smiles for a fraction of a secondPresenting smiles for a fraction of a second
followed by neutral stimulus increases the positivefollowed by neutral stimulus increases the positive
reaction to that stimulus (Dimburg & Ohman,reaction to that stimulus (Dimburg & Ohman,
1996)1996)
 Smiling during periods of stress cardiovascularSmiling during periods of stress cardiovascular
arousal back to baseline (Fredrickson & Levenson,arousal back to baseline (Fredrickson & Levenson,
1998)1998)

Laughter is a Good MedicineLaughter is a Good Medicine
 Improves cognitive function (Fry, 1992)Improves cognitive function (Fry, 1992)
 Exercises and relaxes the muscles (Kuhn, 1994)Exercises and relaxes the muscles (Kuhn, 1994)
 Increases heart rate and blood pressure (Pearce, 2004)Increases heart rate and blood pressure (Pearce, 2004)
 Decreases cortisol levels (Berk, et al, 1988)Decreases cortisol levels (Berk, et al, 1988)
 Increases natural killer cell activity (Takahashi, et al, 2001)Increases natural killer cell activity (Takahashi, et al, 2001)
 Altering gene expression (Hayashi, et al, 2006)Altering gene expression (Hayashi, et al, 2006)
 Stimulates the dopamine reward system (Mobbs, et al,Stimulates the dopamine reward system (Mobbs, et al,
2003)2003)
 Increased longevity (Yoder & Haude, 1995)Increased longevity (Yoder & Haude, 1995)

Kindling Laughter CircuitsKindling Laughter Circuits
 Breathing out with laughter triggers theBreathing out with laughter triggers the
vagal nerve and the parasympatheticvagal nerve and the parasympathetic
nervous systemnervous system
Reduces heart rateReduces heart rate
Reduces blood pressureReduces blood pressure
Increases relaxationIncreases relaxation

Psychological Boost of HumorPsychological Boost of Humor
 Decreases AnxietyDecreases Anxiety (Yovetich, et al, 1990)(Yovetich, et al, 1990)
 Decreases StressDecreases Stress (Wooten, 1996)(Wooten, 1996)
 Decreases DepressionDecreases Depression (Deaner & McConatha,(Deaner & McConatha,
1993)1993)
 Increases Self esteemIncreases Self esteem (Martin, etal, 1993)(Martin, etal, 1993)
 Increases Energy and hopeIncreases Energy and hope (Bellert, 1989)(Bellert, 1989)
 Increases A sense of empowermentIncreases A sense of empowerment (Wooten, 1996)(Wooten, 1996)

5 Healthy Habits5 Healthy Habits
Planting SEEDSPlanting SEEDS
S—Social MedicineS—Social Medicine
E—ExerciseE—Exercise
E—EducationE—Education
D—DietD—Diet
S—Sleep HygieneS—Sleep Hygiene

Exercise OptimizesExercise Optimizes
MoodMood
 Increases neurotransmittersIncreases neurotransmitters
 »»SerotoninSerotonin
 »»DopamineDopamine
 »»norepinephrinenorepinephrine
 physical healthphysical health

Exercise OptimizesExercise Optimizes
 CognitionCognition
––alertnessalertness
––attentionattention
––motivationmotivation
––cognitive flexibilitycognitive flexibility

Mood Regulation Exercise:Mood Regulation Exercise:
Different ApproachesDifferent Approaches
 Must be aerobicMust be aerobic
 Intensity in keeping with level ofIntensity in keeping with level of
fitnessfitness
 30 minutes 3-4 times a week30 minutes 3-4 times a week
 Two 10 minute periods of exerciseTwo 10 minute periods of exercise
every dayevery day

Drinking alcohol on a regular basis --Drinking alcohol on a regular basis --
cognitive deficits such as:cognitive deficits such as:
 Decreases performance on tests of visual and spatialDecreases performance on tests of visual and spatial
perceptionperception
 Decreases visual and spatial learning abilityDecreases visual and spatial learning ability
 Decreases ability to make fine motor movementsDecreases ability to make fine motor movements
 DecreasesDecreases adaptive abilitiesadaptive abilities
 DecreasesDecreases short-term memoryshort-term memory
 DecreasesDecreases non-verbal abstract learningnon-verbal abstract learning
 DecreasesDecreases abstract thinking abilityabstract thinking ability
 DecreasesDecreases conceptual thinking abilityconceptual thinking ability

Alcohol contributes to the followingAlcohol contributes to the following
problems as much as several days afterproblems as much as several days after
drinking:drinking:
 Increases stress and anxietyIncreases stress and anxiety
 Decreases GABA — panic attacks commonDecreases GABA — panic attacks common
 Increases depressionIncreases depression
 Decrease serotonin and DA for as much at least a fewDecrease serotonin and DA for as much at least a few
weeks or months after the last drinkweeks or months after the last drink
 Alcohol-related insomnia (mid sleepAlcohol-related insomnia (mid sleep
cycle awakening).cycle awakening).

Skipping breakfast contributes to:Skipping breakfast contributes to:
problem solvingproblem solving
working memory attentionworking memory attention
concentrationconcentration
energyenergy
mood swingsmood swings
depressiondepression
stress reactivitystress reactivity
anxietyanxiety

Bio regulators of behavior

More Related Content

What's hot (20)

Similar to Bio regulators of behavior (20)

Bio regulators of behavior