AP Psych Full unit 1 flashcards

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits messages throughout the body.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons.

Axon

The long fiber that carries neural impulses away from the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates axons and speeds up transmission.

Action Potential

A neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.

Refractory Period

A resting period after an action potential when a neuron can't fire again.

Threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.

All-or-None Response

A neuron either fires or it doesn't—no partial firing.

Synapse

The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that cross the synapse to transmit signals.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that reduce pain and boost pleasure.

Nervous System

The body's electrochemical communication network.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates the fight-or-flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body after stress.

Nerves

Bundled axons that form neural 'cables.'

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry incoming information to the brain.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry instructions from the brain to muscles.

Interneurons

Neurons in the CNS that communicate between sensory and motor neurons.

Reflex

An automatic response to a stimulus.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Hormones

Chemical messengers of the endocrine system.

Adrenal Glands

Glands that release stress hormones like adrenaline.

Pituitary Gland

The 'master gland' that controls other endocrine glands.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

A series of X-ray images of the brain's structure.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

Shows brain activity by tracking glucose use.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Uses magnetic fields to produce images of brain structure.

Brainstem

Oldest brain region; controls survival functions.

Medulla

Part of the brainstem that controls heartbeat and breathing.

Thalamus

Brain's sensory relay station.

Reticular Formation

Nerve network that controls arousal.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement and balance.

Limbic System

Neural system linked to emotions and drives.

Amygdala

Processes emotions like fear and aggression.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, temperature, and sex drive.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain involved in thinking and processing.

Frontal Lobe

Controls thinking, planning, and movement.

Parietal Lobe

Processes touch and spatial awareness.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information.

Temporal Lobe

Processes auditory information.

Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary movements.

Somatosensory Cortex

Processes body touch and movement sensations.

Association Areas

Areas involved in higher mental functions like learning and memory.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt.

Neurogenesis

Formation of new neurons.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the brain's two hemispheres.

Split Brain

A condition from surgery severing the corpus callosum.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Study of brain activity linked to cognition.

Consciousness

Awareness of ourselves and our environment.

Dual Processing

Information is processed both consciously and unconsciously.

Chromosomes

Threadlike structures made of DNA.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Genetic material that carries instructions for development.

Genes

Segments of DNA that code for proteins.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material.

Monozygotic Twins

Identical twins from a single fertilized egg.

Dizygotic Twins

Fraternal twins from two separate eggs.

Heritability

The extent to which variation among individuals is due to genes.

Interaction

The interplay between genes and environment.

Epigenetics

Study of how the environment affects gene expression.