Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

C H A P T E R 3 
Neuroscience and Behavior 

feL82795_ch03_058-095.indd Page 58 20/07/10 11:25 PM user-f463

feL82795_ch03_058-095.indd Page 58 20/07/10 11:25 PM user-f463
/Volumes/202/MH00543_r1/hin73516_disk1of1/0073373516/Access_Archive/hin73516_...
/Volumes/202/MH00543_r1/hin73516_disk1of1/0073373516/Access_Archive/hin73516_

---

59
Key Concepts for Chapter 3 
Why do psychologists study the brain and 
the nervous system?
●
What are the basic 
elements of the nervous system?
●
How 
does the nervous system communicate 
electrical and chemical messages from one part 
to another? 
How do researchers identify the major parts 
and functions of the brain?
●
What are the 
major parts of the brain, and for what 
behaviors is each part responsible?
●
How do 
the halves of the brain operate interdependently? 
●
How can an understanding of the nervous system help us fi nd 
ways to alleviate disease and pain?


M O D U L E 7
M O D U L E 8
M O D U L E 9
Neurons: The Basic Elements 
of Behavior
The Structure of the Neuron
How Neurons Fire
Where Neurons Meet: Bridging the Gap
Neurotransmitters: Multitalented 
Chemical Couriers
The Nervous System 
and the Endocrine System: 
Communicating Within the Body
The Nervous System: Linking Neurons
The Evolutionary Foundations of the 
Nervous System
The Endocrine System: Of Chemicals 
and Glands
The Brain
Studying the Brain’s Structure 
and Functions: Spying on the Brain
Applying Psychology in the 21st Century: 
Mind over Cursor: Harnessing 
Brainpower to Improve Lives
The Central Core: Our “Old Brain”
The Limbic System: 
Beyond the Central Core
The Cerebral Cortex: Our “New Brain”