Cycle of communication within and between neurons
The understanding of the communication process between and within neurons or the nerve cells helps us to gain knowledge of the functioning of the human brain. Neurons gather information relating to an organism’s internal state as well as the external environment continuously and perform an evaluation of this information and the coordination of appropriate activities depending on the situation and person’s needs. Communication between and within neurons occur through the transmission of nerve impulses, which in essence are coded signals produced by certain stimulus along the neuronal membrane. Communication within neurons occurs through a chemical process whereby the synapse of nerve cells interacts with each other along their dendrites through the production of neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters attach themselves to the receptors of the cell membrane of another neuron, resulting in a communication network (Lovinger, 2008).
Hypothesis of what might happen to neuronal communication process if one step is to be perturbed
If one step of the neuronal communication is to be perturbed, the communication will change. When the neurotransmitters that are responsible for the relay of information between and within neurons attach themselves to the receptors, the neuron produces some inhibitory or excitatory changes (Lovinger, 2008). Thus, if the communication is interfered with, the signals produced by the neurons will be different from what is intended. For example, a drug like cocaine passes into the nerve cells and enter the neurons. The drug is carried by terminals that normally transport dopamine, resulting in the production of neurotransmitters. These transmitters do not relay the intended information, and therefore the communication is altered (Lovinger, 2008).
Some behavioral sex differences between boys and girls
One of the common noticed behavioral sex differences between boys and girls is the level of sexual desires. Boys tend to have greater sex drives that develop early at puberty. Besides, boys develop sexual attitudes earlier than girls and ready to speak out their sexual feelings earlier than girls. Additionally, there are great variances between boys and girls when it comes to sex mood. Boys tend to be more consistent in their sex mood while girls are less consistent (Rose & Rudolph, 2006).
References
Lovinger, D. M. (2008). Communication Networks in the Brain: Neurons, Receptors, Neurotransmitters, and Alcohol. Alcohol Research & Health, 31(3):196-214
Rose, A. J., & Rudolph, K. D. (2006). A review of sex differences in peer relationship processes: potential trade-offs for the emotional and behavioral development of girls and boys. Psychological bulletin, 132(1): 98–131.
