The Basic Elements of Behavior

The Basic Elements of Behavior
Jeannette Villatoro
PYB0844A
Dr. Jimletta Vareene-Thomas
November 5, 2008










The Basic Elements of Behavior

Neurons are intricate little nerve cells with complex structures that aid in many pertinent functions of the body. The communication and operation of neurons are harmonious in helping the nervous system to work properly. These fascinating nerve units contribute to the basic elements of behavior which are dependant on the operation and communication of the neuron.

There are various types of neurons in the body. However, they have a similar makeup. Each neuron has a cell body that has a nucleus, and that nucleus is the center point of how the neuron functions (Feldman, 2008). Glial cells hold the neurons in place and aid in nourishing the neuron as well as providing reparation to damage (cited from Feldman, 2008, pg. 61).

Cell bodies of neurons are made up of several structures that enable neurons to communicate effectively. The dendrite fibers receive messages from other neurons while the axons transmit messages, making the neuron a unique contender in the world of cells (Geyer, M., 2007). The terminal buttons at the end of an axon have the sole purpose of completing the message transaction to another neuron. These messages are purely electrical in nature. Therefore, the axon is protected by the myelin sheath to provide insulation (Feldman, 2008). Neurons fire with a process called action potential, in which delivers an electrical charge through the axon. The action potential is initiated by a chemical message attached to a receptor (Geyer, M., 2008). Before this process, a neuron is in a resting state with a negative charge and as the action potential travels through it, a positive charge ensues (Feldman, 2008).

When a nerve impulse is delivered through a neuron, it reaches the terminal buttons in which a neurotransmitter is delivered. These neurotransmitters are the core to neuron communication that bridges the gap between the synapse, the space between neurons (Feldman, 2008). Neurotransmitters have an abundant possibility of various messages that can be delivered, but not all neurons can receive these messages. Because of this, a sort of regulatory method is applied to ensure that the proper messages go to the correct neurons so that an action will be possible. If a receiving impulse fits correctly with a neuron, it is an excitatory message that elicits reaction. On the contrary, if the receiving neuron is not capable of handling such a message, it is inhibitory and cannot cause any action to occur (Feldman, 2008).

While neurons help to control voluntary movements throughout the body such as catching a ball or picking up a glass to drink from, involuntary actions are also handled through the operation and communication of neurons. Breathing, blinking, and maintaining a steady heart beat are also possible because of the multifunction of neurons. If neurons fail to work properly, this can drastically inhibit the functionality of the human body. But besides preserving basic mobility, neurons assist in the very nature of the human being: behavior.

Neurotransmitters are incredible chemical couriers that help to control vital brain and bodily functions (Feldman, 2008). In addition, excess or deficiency linked in neurotransmitters can be contributed to the dysfunction or stability of human behavior. Many debilitating diseases and mental ailments have to do with too much production of compounds within a certain neurotransmitter as well as a lack of production. These kinds of problems lead to Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, depression, obesity and a myriad of several other serious conditions (Feldman, 2008).

In the simplest term possible, neurons can be considered as the basic elements of behavior because of their contribution to the workings of the mind and body. Basically, neurons tell our body what to do and how to execute actions. They provide a complex system of computing to allow complete functionality. The necessity of neurons and the messages they send and receive is apparent in the most mundane action of the human body up to the most elaborate thought process of the mind. With the complex nature of the operation of neurons and the communication that goes on between them, an organized system is in place that enables the mind and body to work congruously.



References

Feldman, R. (2008). Understanding Psychology (8th ed.). Boston: McGraw Hill.

Geyer, M (2007). How neurons communicate. MIRECC MindView Newsletter Archive. Retrieved November 5, 2008, from http://www.desertpacific.mirecc.va.gov/mindview-archive/how-neurons- communicate-archive.shtml.