AP psych module 1.1-1.3b

nature-nurture issue

The issue of: is it because you grown up and learned it or it has been given to you naturally

natural selection

The theory that organisms that best adapt to the living environment will be more likely to survive and pass down their genes to the next generation

evolutionary psychology

The study of natural selection and how we evolved

(Charles Darwin)

behaviour genetics

How we differ based on genes and environment

heredity

genetic transfer from parent to the next offspring

environment

Things around us that could influence our actions

mutation

Random errors in a genes data

interaction

The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)

identical twins (monozygotic)

One egg, one sperm. same DNA and information but there’s two people (identical twins)

Fraternal (dizygotic)

two eggs, two sperms, two people, same wound but DNA is different like siblings (non-identical twins)

Genes

The chemical biological side of heredity

epigenetic

The study of the molecular mechanisms by which environments can influence genetic expression without DNA change (hair goes from black to white)

genome

instructions to Make a living organism (the “how to make thing” of genes)

nervous system

the body’s main command centre and communication network

Central nervous system

the primary processing and command centre of the body, consisting of the brain and the spinal cord

peripheral nervous system

the network of nerves that lies outside the brain and spinal cord, acting as a communication link between the central nervous system and the rest of the body

nerves

a bundle of nerve fibers (axons) in the body that transmits electrochemical pulses between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and other parts of the body to control sensation and movement

reflex

A simple automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee-jerk reflex

sensory (afferent) neurons

neurons that carry incoming information from the bodies, tissues and sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord

Motor (efferent) neurons

neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands

interneurons

Neurons in the brain and spinal cord (CNS) That communicate internally and process information between the sensory inputs and motor outputs

somatic nervous system

Neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands

(Voluntary skeletal muscles, walking)

autonomic nervous system

The part of the peripheral Nervous system that controls the glands and the muscle muscles of the internal (such as the heart). It’s sympathetic division arouses; It’s parasympathetic division calms (Involuntary, Automatic, Muscles, Gland, Organs)

sympathetic nervous system

The division of the autonomic nervous system, that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy (Pupils dilate, Heartbeat increases, Fight or flight, Arousal)

parasympathetic nervous system

The division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body, conserving its energy (Calming, Consuming energy, Pupils retracting, Stimulated digestion)

neuron

a nerve cell, basic building block of the nervous system

Cell Body

Part of a neuron that contains the nucleus, Cells life support centre

Dendrites

Neurons often bushy, Branching extensions that receive an integrate messages, Conducting impulses towards the cell body

axon

The segment in neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles/glands

Myelin Sheath

A fatty tissue layer segment encasing the axons of some neurons; It enables vastly greater transmission speed as new neural impulses hop from one node to the next

Glial glands

cells in the nervous system, that support, nourish and protect neurons; They may also play a role in learning, thinking and memory

action potential

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

threshold

Level of stimulation to trigger a neural impulse

refractory period

In neural processing, A brief resting pause that occurs after a neuron has fired; Subsequent action potential cannot occur until the axon returns to its resting state

all or none response

Neuron’s reaction of either firing or not firing (0% or 100%)

synapse

junction between axon tip of sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron. The tiny gap at this junction is called the synaptic gap or synaptic cleft

neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that crossed the synaptic gap between neuron. When released by sending neuron, Neurotransmitters travel across the synapse And buying to receptor sites on the receiving neuron, Thereby influencing that neuron for generate a neural impulse

reuptake

Neurotransmitters reabsorption by sending neuron

endorphins

“morphine within” Natural opioid like neurotransmitters linked to pain control, and pleasure

agonist

Molecule that increases a neurotransmitters action

Antagonist

molecule that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitters action

endocrine system

Body is a slow chemical communication system; Set of glands and fat tissue that secrete hormones into the bloodstream

hormones

Chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, Travel to the bloodstream and affect other tissues

pituitary gland

Often called the "master gland," it controls other hormone-producing glands in the body and regulates essential functions like growth, metabolism, blood pressure, and reproduction

psychoactive drugs

Chemical substance that alters the brain, Resulting in changes in perceptions and moods

substance used disorder

disorder characterized by continued substance use despite resulting in life disruption

tolerance

diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of drug, Requiring the user to take larger doses before feeling the effect of the drug

depressants

Drugs that reduce neural activity and slows body functions (ex. Alcohol)

addiction

term to describe compulsive substance use and out of control behaviour that continues despite harmful consequences

withdrawal

Discomfort and distress that follows discontinuing an active drug or behaviour

barbiturates

Drug that depresses central nervous system activity, reducing anxiety, but impairing memory and judgement

opioids

Opium and derivatives, Depress neural activity, Temporarily lessening pain and anxiety

stimulants

drugs that excite, neural activity and speed up body functions (ex. caffeine nicotine, and cocaine)

hallucinogens

Psychedelic drugs, that distorted perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input (ex. Marijuana)

near death experience

altered state of consciousness reported after close brush with death (like cardiac arrest) Often similar to drug induced hallucinations