unit 1 AP psych

Biological psychologists

ocus on how the body and brain enable emotions, memories, and sensory experiences, as well as, how our genes and environment influence our individual differences. 

biopsychosocial approach

valuates how different aspects of human behavior are influenced by a combination of biological factors

Natural selection

• he principle that inherited traits that better enable an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment will (in competition with other trait variations) most likely be passed on to the succeeding generations

adaptation

• the process by which a species becomes fitted to its environment through natural selection

mutation

• a random error in gene replication that leads to a change

heredity

•  the genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring

enviroment

every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us

chromosomes

•  threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes

DNA

 complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes

genes

• : biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins

genome

• he complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes

molecular genetics

the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes

heritability

the proportion of variation among individuals in a group that we can attribute to genes

peripheral

sensory = motor function

somatic/automatic

central

brain and spinal cord

encased in bone

somatic

• Sensory information to the brain (sensory neurons)

• Motor information from the brain (motor neurons)

• Voluntarily responds to external stimuli

interneurons

 neurons in the brain and spinal cord that serve as an intermediary between sensory and motor neurons; carry info around the brain for processing 

automatic

• Also carries information back & forth from the brain

Involuntary responses to external stimuli

sympathetic

• Arouses body functions 

• “Fight or Flight”

pararsympathetic

• Calms functions after arousal 

• “Rest and Digest”

soma

contains nucleus & DNA

Dendrites

receives signals from other neurons

Axon (covered in Myelin Sheath: insulates & protects axon)

• carry signals from one end to the other

Axon Terminals/Terminal Buttons: 

•  send signals to next neuron

Schwann cells

produce myelin for the myelin sheath

Nodes of Ranvier

are the spaces between Schwann cells.

Glial cells (glia)

are support cells for the nervous system, providing extra protection and nourishment to neurons.

ACTION
POTENTIAL

Transmission of a nerve impulse

Communication between neurons (100B+)

1. Polarization

Outside of membrane is (+) while the electrical charge on the inside is (-) 

resting Potential

• (-) charged ions wait for stimulation w/in the axon.

• inactivity 

2. depolariztion

• When stimulated, channels along the axon allow NA+ & K+ ions to enter.  This causes NA+ & K+ channels to open causing the inside of the axon to depolarize.

threshold

A point of excitation the neuron must reach for an action potential to occur

all or none principle

• Once the threshold is reached, the neuron will fire at full strength.  If the threshold is not reached, the neuron will not fire.  

4. refractary period

The neuron must recharge itself electrically to reach polarization and cannot fire again.

neurotransmitters

chemical messengers

synapse

or synaptic gap: small space between the neurons (axon terminal bulb → dendrite of receiving neuron)

reuptake

neurotransmitters are released by the neurons and travel back across the synapse to be reabsorbed by the axon terminals

Acetylcholine (ACh)

 

Enables muscle action, learning, and memory

Undersupply linked to Alzheimer’s disease Oversupply linked to paralysis (Black Widow venom)

dopamine

 

Influences voluntary movement, learning, attention, and emotion

Undersupply linked to Parkinson’s  Oversupply linked to schizophrenia

serotonin

 

Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal

Undersupply linked to depression

Norepinephrine

 

Helps control alertness and arousal

Undersupply linked to depression Oversupply linked to anxiety/mania

GABA

 

Inhibitory neurotransmitter; natural tranquilizer involved in calming you down

Undersupply linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia

Glutamate

 

Excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in memory

Undersupply linked to concentration problems Oversupply linked to seizures and migraines

endorphins

 

Influence the perception of pain and pleasure

Undersupply linked to depression Oversupply can make people anxious/wired

substance p

 

Alerts us to when we are experiencing pain

Oversupply linked to chronic pain disorders

agonist

 increase/mimic a neurotransmitter’s effect

antagonist

block receptor sites so neurotransmitters cannot have an effect

Psychoactive drug

hemical substances that alter perceptions, moods, and behaviors.