The CNS and neurotransmitters in human behaviour

The CNS and neurotransmitters in human behaviour

CNS and Behaviour

  • The central nervous system (CNS) comprises of the brain and the spinal cord, it is responsible for receiving and processing information.
  • Behaviour can be viewed as a response to certain stimuli, and the CNS plays a major role in evaluating these stimuli and formulating appropriate responses.
  • Different areas of the brain have distinct roles in behaviour; for instance, the frontal lobe is associated with executive functions like decision-making.
  • The spinal cord serves as the major conduit of signals between the brain and the rest of the body, facilitating a variety of behaviours.

Neurotransmitters

  • Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that play crucial roles in communication between neurons in the brain.
  • The process of neurotransmission involves the release of these substances from a neuron’s axon terminal, after which they travel across a synapse to bind with receptors on a recipient neuron.
  • Different neurotransmitters have varied effects on human behaviour. For instance, serotonin is involved in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite, while dopamine is associated with reward and motivation.
  • Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels have been linked to several psychological disorders such as depression (serotonin deficiency) and schizophrenia (excessive dopamine).

How the CNS and Neurotransmitters influence Behaviour

  • The interaction between the CNS and neurotransmitters is complex, and researchers believe that it collectively influences human behaviour.
  • A typical example would be fear response, where a threatening stimulus processed in the amygdala (part of the CNS) triggers the release of the neurotransmitter adrenaline, initiating ‘fight or flight’ response.
  • Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain (as part of the CNS) to change and adapt based on experience and learning. This flexibility allows the human behaviour to evolve over time.
  • Changes in neurotransmitter activity can alter behaviour, as seen in the use of pharmacological treatments to manage behavioural symptoms by manipulating neurotransmitter levels.