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    How Neuro Processes Affect Behavior and Impact the Field of Biological Psychology


    Analyze how neuro processes affect behavior and impact the field of biological psychology. Address the following items in analysis:

    Describe the role of postsynaptic potentials (excitatory and inhibitory), synaptic transmission, and receptors in producing and regulating behavior.


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    Synapses are junctions between the terminal buttons at the ends of the axonal branches of one neuron and the membrane of another (Carlson, 2007). At a synapse, a neuron releases a chemical known as a neurotransmitter that excites or inhibits another cell (Kalat, 2004). Synapses can occur in one of three places: on dendrites, on the soma, and on other axons. It's a form of "communication" between neurons. The "messages" are carried by neurotransmitters and then released be terminal buttons. Synapses is very critical for almost all aspects of behavior.

    Postsynaptic potentials can either be depolarizing (excitatory) or hyperpolarizing (inhibitory); note that the neurotransmitter does NOT determine the nature of this potential, but instead the type of ion channel they open (Carlson, 2007). There are four main types of neurotransmitter-dependent ion channels: sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium. These channels play a large part in producing biochemical and structural changes in the postsynaptic neuron. They determine the nature (either excitatory or inhibitory) of postsynaptic potential.

    The presynaptic membrane and the postsynaptic membrane are located at the end of the terminal button and on the ...

    Solution Summary

    This solution explains synapses, postsynaptic potentials, presynaptic membrane, and neurotransmitters. This solution is 690 words with two APA references included.