ABSTRACT
Behavior is the adaptive response of an organism to internal or external stimuli and, as such, represents the integrated end product of multiple neuronal subsystems. Thus, evaluation of behavior can serve as an indicator of the status of the functional components of the nervous system. In addition, since behavioral testing is noninvasive, it can provide a longitudinal assessment of the neurotoxic effects of an agent, including persistence, delayed onset, or recovery. Typically, a functional observational battery (FOB) is employed to assess a wide range of neurobiological functions, including sensory, motor, and autonomic components and the measurement of motor activity using an automated device.
