AP Psychology: Biological Bases of Behavior

Vocabulary flashcards covering the biological bases of behavior, including phrenology, neurotransmitters, drug interactions, and divisions of the nervous system.

Phrenology

Theory associated with Franz Gall proposing that bumps on the skull reveal human traits, mental abilities, and personality traits.

Franz Gall

Proposed phrenology, claiming that bumps on the human skull reveal traits, mental abilities, and personality traits.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in memory and muscle movements.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with rewards.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.

Epinephrine / Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitters representing adrenaline and noradrenaline, involved in arousal and fight or flight response.

GABA

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Glutamate

A neurotransmitter involved in memory.

Substance P

A pain neurotransmitter that plays a role in pain perception.

Endorphins

The body's natural pain killer, released in response to pain, stress, and pleasure; oversupply with opiate drugs can suppress the body's natural supply.

Agonist

A type of drug interaction where the substance mimics a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A type of drug interaction where the substance blocks a neurotransmitter.

Central Nervous System

The portion of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

The division of the nervous system that connects to the rest of the body, divided into autonomic and somatic systems.

Autonomic Nervous System

A division of the peripheral nervous system that controls self-regulated action of internal organs and glands.

Somatic Nervous System

A division of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A division of the autonomic nervous system that produces an arousing state (fight or flight).

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A division of the autonomic nervous system that produces a calming state (rest and digest).