Chapter 3

Biological Basis of
Personality
Behavior depends on the
integration of numerous
processes within the body.
This integration is provided
by the nervous system with
the help of the endocrine
glands.
What are the basic unit of the nervous
system? How do they work?

Neurons
-these form the basic units of
the nervous system whose
functions influence learning and
mental function, emotion and
thought.
-responsible for the
transmission of impulses.
Synapse
-the junction between the axon of
one neuron.
Afferent neuron
- neurons that carry messages
from the sense receptors to the
brain and spinal cord`
Efferent neurons
-transmit signals from the brain
and spinal cord to the effectors
organs the muscles and glands
How may the organization of the
nervous system be described? How is
it divided?
The nervous system is divided in to the
central nervous system and peripheral
nervous system
The central nervous system includes all
the nerves in the brain and the spinal cord
The nerves leading from the brain and
spinal cord to the other parts of the body
compose the peripheral nervous system.
Subdivision of the peripheral nervous
system are:

Somatic system
-the nerves of the somatic system
carry messages to the central nervous
system from the sense receptors,
muscles and body surface.
Autonomic system
-the nerves of the autonomic
system run to and from the internal
organs, regulating such processeas
respiration, heart rate and digestions
How is the hierarchical structure of the brain
described? What are the functions each part?

The human brain is composed of three

concentric layers: a central core, the limbic
system, and the cerebrum. Each of them is
describe:
CENTRAL CORE- includes the medulla
responsible for respitation and postural
reflexes.
LIMBIC SYSTEM- controls some of the
instinctive activities like feeding, attacking,
fleeing from danger and mating.
CEREBRUM- is more highly developed in human
beings than in any other organism.
How is the brain said to be
divided?

As early as 1861, the

anthologist, Paul Broca
examined the brain of a
patient with speech loss and
found damage in an area of
the left hemisphere.
How can unique thought patterns in sexual
variations between boys and girls be
explained?

Medical studies have shown

specifically that between the
18th and 26th week of
pregnancy, something happens
that forever separates the
sexes.