Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience

Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience aligns to the topics and objectives of introductory behavioral neuroscience courses taught in psychology, biology, neuroscience, and similar departments. This offering is intended for undergraduates with no presumed college-level science coursework, and presents the foundational principles of brain-behavior-environment interactions.

In Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience, students will begin to understand how the physiology of the nervous system and the environment dictate our movements, thoughts and feelings. Students will be challenged to think about real neuroscience experiments, appreciate how neuroscience knowledge evolves over time, and consider open questions in the field. They will also be invited to learn about the people behind the science, such as through interview videos and researcher profiles.

The development of this material was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under IOS-2035041 to Elizabeth Kirby. The opinions, descriptions, recommendations, and findings are those of the contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF. An Affordable Learning Exchange grant to Elizabeth Kirby from the Ohio State University also supported development of this material.

Senior Contributing Authors
• Elizabeth D. Kirby, The Ohio State University
• Melissa J. Glenn, Colby College
• Noah J. Sandstrom, Williams College
• Christina L. Williams, Duke University

Contributing Authors
• S. D. Bilbo, Duke University
• Irina Calin-Jageman, Dominican University
• Robert J. Calin-Jageman, Dominican University
• Matt Carter, Williams College
• Victoria L. Castro, University of Texas El Paso
• Christine J. Charvet, Auburn University
• Natalia Duque-Wilckens, North Carolina State University
• Amy L. Griffin, University of Delaware
• Yanabah Jaques, University of California Berkeley
• Daniela Kaufer, University of California Berkeley
• MeeJung Ko, University of California Berkeley
• Megan M. Mahoney, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• C. Daniel Meliza, University of Virginia
• Eric M. Mintz, Kent State University
• Sandra E. Muroy, University of California Berkeley
• Richard Olivo, Smith College
• Yuan B. Peng, University of Texas Arlington
• Briana E. Pinales, University of Texas El Paso
• Anita M. Quintana, University of Texas El Paso
• Shivon A. Robinson, Williams College
• Michael Sandstrom, Central Michigan University
• Cecil J. Saunders, Kean University
• Gary L. Wenk, The Ohio State University
• Cedric L. Williams, University of Virginia
• Kevin D. Wilson, Gettysburg College
• Joseph D. Zak, University of Illinois Chicago

Preface

Chapter 1 Structure and Function of the Nervous System: Cells and Anatomy
• Introduction
• 1.1 Building a Nervous System
• 1.2 Organization of the Nervous System
• 1.3 The Central Nervous System: CNS
• 1.4 The Brain: Structure and Function
• 1.5 The Peripheral Nervous System: PNS
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 2 Neurophysiology
• Introduction
• 2.1 Neural Communication
• 2.2 Neural Circuits
• 2.3 Principles of Bioelectricity
• 2.4 Mechanisms of Neural Signaling
• 2.5 Our Deep but Still Incomplete Understanding of Neural Signaling
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 3 Basic Neurochemistry
• Introduction
• 3.1 General Neurochemistry Principles
• 3.2 Neurotransmitters Made from Amino Acids
• 3.3 Neurotransmitters Made from Fats
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 4 Comparative Neuroscience
• Introduction
• 4.1 How Do We Choose A Model System?
• 4.2 How Do We Compare Brains?
• 4.3 How Do Brains Vary in Size?
• 4.4 How Do Connections Differ Across Species?
• 4.5 How Can Diverse Species Help Us Make Inferences about Human Neurobiology?
• 4.6 How Can Brain Organoids Help Us Make Inferences about Brain Evolution?
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 5 Neurodevelopment
• Introduction
• 5.1 Gastrulation and Formation of the Neural Tube (Neurulation)
• 5.2 Growth and Development of the Early Brain
• 5.3 Synapse Formation and Maturation
• 5.4 Experience Dependent Plasticity
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 6 Vision
• Introduction
• 6.1 An Overview of the Visual System
• 6.2 The Retina
• 6.3 Visual Processing Begins in Bipolar, Horizontal, Amacrine and Ganglion Cells
• 6.4 The Thalamus and Primary Visual Cortex
• 6.5 Extrastriate Cortex
• 6.6 Unsolved Questions In Visual Perception
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 7 Hearing and Balance
• Introduction
• 7.1 Acoustic Cues and Signals
• 7.2 How Does Acoustic Information Enter the Brain?
• 7.3 How Does the Brain Process Acoustic Information?
• 7.4 Balance: A Sense of Where You Are
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 8 The Chemical Senses
• Introduction
• 8.1 The Chemical Senses are Several Distinct Sensory Systems
• 8.2 The Gustatory System
• 8.3 The Olfactory System
• 8.4 Chemethesis, Spices, and Solitary Chemosensory Cells
• 8.5 Influences That Shape Perception of Smell and Flavor
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 9 Touch and Pain
• Introduction
• 9.1 Somatosensory Receptors
• 9.2 Somatosensation in the Central Nervous System
• 9.3 Pain and Itch
• 9.4 Pain Relief
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 10 Motor Control
• Introduction
• 10.1 The Physiological Actions Implementing Movement – Contraction of Muscles
• 10.2 Eliciting Contractions from Lower Levels – Lower Motoneurons and Reflex Arcs
• 10.3 Our Brain Gets Involved – Responsibilities of Upper Motor Systems
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 11 Sexual Behavior and Development
• Introduction
• 11.1 Understanding Sexual Reproduction and Sexual Dimorphism
• 11.2 Mechanisms of Sexual Determination and Differentiation
• 11.3 Sex Differences in Brain and Behavior: Genetic, Hormonal, and Environmental Mechanisms
• 11.4 Sex Differences in Brain Circuits and Susceptibility to Psychiatric Disease
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 12 Stress
• Introduction
• 12.1 What Is Stress?
• 12.2 Neural Mechanisms and Circuitry of the Stress Response
• 12.3 Interindividual Variability and Resilience in Response to Stress
• 12.4 Clinical Implications of Stress
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 13 Emotion and Mood
• Introduction
• 13.1 Foundational and Contemporary Theories of Emotion
• 13.2 What Category of Feelings Are Considered as the “Basic Emotions”?
• 13.3 What Is the Contribution of Brain Structures in Emotional States?
• 13.4 Mood and Emotional Disorders Associated with Depression
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 14 Psychopharmacology
• Introduction
• 14.1 Basic Principles of Pharmacology
• 14.2 Psychotherapeutics
• 14.3 Neural Circuitry of Drug Reward
• 14.4 Neurobiology of Addiction
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 15 Biological Rhythms and Sleep
• Introduction
• 15.1 What Are Circadian Rhythms?
• 15.2 Where Are Rhythms in the Brain?
• 15.3 Regulation of Sleep
• 15.4 Disorders of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
• 15.5 Circadian Rhythms and Society
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 16 Homeostasis
• Introduction
• 16.1 Principles of Homeostasis
• 16.2 Neural Control of Blood Oxygenation Levels
• 16.3 Neural Control of Core Body Temperature
• 16.4 Neural Control of Feeding Behavior
• 16.5 Neural Control of Drinking Behavior
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 17 Neuroimmunology
• Introduction
• 17.1 Cells and Messengers of the Immune System
• 17.2 What Does Your Immune System Have to Do with Your Behavior?
• 17.3 How Does the Brain Talk to the Immune System?
• 17.4 What Do Immune System Signals Do Once They Reach the Brain?
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 18 Learning and Memory
• Introduction
• 18.1 Memory is Classified Based on Time Course and Type of Information Stored
• 18.2 Implicit Memories: Associative vs. Nonassociative Learning
• 18.3 Explicit Memories: Episodic and Semantic Memories
• 18.4 Synaptic Mechanisms of Long-Term Memory
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Chapter 19 Attention and Executive Function
• Introduction
• 19.1 What are the Different Psychological Processes Associated with Attention?
• 19.2 How is Attention Implemented in the Brain?
• 19.3 What Happens to Unattended Information?
• 19.4 What is the Relationship between Attention and Eye Movements?
• 19.5 How Do Clinical Disorders Affect Attentional Function?
• 19.6 How Do We Use Executive Functions to Make Decisions and Achieve Goals?
• Section Summary
• Key Terms
• References
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blank

Appendix A Methods