VCE Psychology Unit 3 Aos 1

Nervous System

A communication system between the body's external cells and organs and the external world, serving to receive, process, and coordinate responses to information.

Sensory Receptors

Cells capable of detecting specific types of stimuli from the external environment for processing by the brain.

Perception

The process of interpreting sensory information to assign meaning.

Spinal Cord

A cable-like column of nerve fibers that transmits sensory information to the brain and motor messages away from the brain.

Fight-Flight-Freeze Response

A reaction initiated by the sympathetic nervous system to confront a stressful situation for survival.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical substance produced by neurons that transmits messages to other neurons or cells.

Glutamate

The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS, enhancing information transmission.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS that reduces the likelihood of neuron firing.

Dopamine

A modulatory neurotransmitter important for voluntary movements, pleasure, and motivation, implicated in conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Serotonin

A modulating neurotransmitter involved in mood, appetite, and sleep regulation; low levels are associated with mood disorders.

Synaptic Plasticity

The ability of synapses to change in response to experience, affecting neuronal communication.

Sprouting

The growth of nerve endings on neurons, creating new connections.

Rerouting

Forming alternate connections between neurons to establish new pathways.

Pruning

The process of removing weak or unused synapses to enhance the efficiency of neural connections.

Long-term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting enhancement of synaptic transmission due to repeated strong stimulation.

Long-term Depression (LTD)

A long-lasting decrease in synaptic strength, leading to reduced neuronal responsiveness.

Stressors

Stimuli that produce stress, which can be internal (originating within) or external (originating outside the individual).

Acute Stress

Short-term stress that usually leads to a recovery; can have both negative and positive effects.

Chronic Stress

Long-term stress that persists and can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health.

Cortisol

A stress hormone that helps mobilize energy and manage stress responses, but high levels can impair health.

Gut-Brain Axis (GBA)

The bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract influencing mood and behavior.

Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-stage physiological response to stress that includes alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion.

Primary Appraisal

The evaluation of the significance of a stressor and whether it poses a threat.

Secondary Appraisal

The assessment of one's ability to cope with a stressor, including available resources and options.

Coping Strategies

Methods employed to manage stress, which can be either approach (confronting) or avoid (evading) based.