AP Pysch Unit 1 test

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how psychological traits and behaviors have evolved over time to enhance survival and reproductive success

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits to future generations

Nature

inherent biological and genetic factors that influence an individuals psychological development, traits, behaviors, and cognitive abilities

Nurture

Environmental influences and experiences that shape an individuals psychological development, behaviors, and cognitive processes

Twin Studies

Examines similarities and differences between identical and fraternal twins to assess the relative influence of genetics and environment on traits and behaviors

Adoption Studies

Investigates similarities between adopted children and their biological and adoptive families to assess the impact of genetics versus environment on various traits and behaviors

Family Studies

Analyzes similarities and differences among family members, including parents and siblings, to understand the interplay of genetics and environment in shaping traits and behaviors within a family unit

Heredity

The transmission of genetic information from biological parents to offspring

Genetic Predisposition

Inherited likelihood of developing specific traits or conditions due to genetic factors from biological parents

Eugenics

The belief in improving the genetic quality of a human population by controlling reproduction to increase desirable traits and decrease undesirable ones

The Nervous System

The bodys communication network, consisting of a complex system of nerves, neurons, and specialized cells

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord. It serves as the command center of the body, responsible for processing information, coordinating responses, and regulating bodily functions

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of all the nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord

Autonomic System

Division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, it operates automatically, without really thinking about it

Sympathetic Nervous System

Responsible for activating the bodys “fight or flight” response in times of stress or danger

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Responsible for promoting relaxation and restoring the body to a calm state after experiencing stress or danger

Somatic Nervous System

Division of the peripheral nervous system responsible for controlling voluntary movements and relaying sensory information from the body to the central nervous system (ex. riding a bike)

Neurons

Specialized cell that serves as the building block of the nervous system, transmitting electrical and chemical signals throughout the body

Motor Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles, glands, and organs, initiating and controlling voluntary and involuntary movements (move)

Sensory Neurons

Specialized nerve cell that transmit sensory information from sensory receptors, such as those in the skin, muscles, and organs, to the central nervous system (message receivers)

Interneurons

Nerve cells that serve as connectors within the central nervous system, relaying signals between sensory neurons and motor neurons

Glial Cells

The “support cells” of the nervous system, provide structural support, insulation, and nourishment to neurons

Reflex Arc

Neural pathway that controls reflex actions, allowing for rapid, automatic responses to sensory stimuli without conscious thought

Neural Transmission

The process by which neurons communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals (ex. relay race)

Threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger on action potential in a neuron. It is the minimum amount of stimulation necessary to produce a response

Action Potential

Brief electrical impulse that travels along the axon of a neuron

All-or-Nothing Principle

States that once the neuron reaches its threshold of excitation, it will fire an action potential at full strength

Depolarization

Phase of action potential where the inside of the neuron becomes less negative or slightly positive

Refractory Period

Brief period following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to generate another action potential (ex. flushing a toilet)

Resting Potential

The stable, negative charge that exists across the cell membrane of a neuron when its not actively transmitting signals

Reuptake

Process in which neurotransmitters that have been released into the synapse are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron from which they were originally released

Multiple Sclerosis “MS”

Chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord

Myasthenia Gravis

Chromis autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction, where nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons, allowing for communication within the nervous system

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released by neurons that increase the likelihood of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic neuron

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released by neurons that decrease the likelihood of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic neuron

Glutamate

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS associated with the learning and memory

GABA

Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety

Dopamine

Plays a crucial role in regulating mood, reward, motivation, and movement

Serotonin

Plays a vital role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and stress

Endorphins

Act as natural pain relievers and mood enhancers

Substance P

Involved in transmitting pain signals in the nervous system

Acetylcholine

Triggers the contraction of skeletal muscles, helps control memory, learning, and attention

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands in the Endocrine system that travel through the bloodstream to target cells or organs, where they regulate various physiological processes and behaviors

Ghrelin

Secreted by the stomach to promote hunger

Leptin

Secreted by fat cells that decrease food intake and reduces hunger

Melatonin

Regulates the sleep-awake system and circadian rhythms in the body

Oxytocin

Hormone that plays a key role in social bonding

Adrenaline

Hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the body’s stress response, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response

Norepinephrine

Hormone and a neurotransmitter associated with the body’s “fight or flight” response, regulating arousal, attention, and stress

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter brain function, leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior

Agonists

Substances that bind the neurotransmitter receptors and mimic their effects, enhancing neural activity

Antagonists

Substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors without activating them, blocking the effects of neurotransmitters

reuptake Inhibitors

Medications that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the sending neuron, thereby increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft and enhancing neurotransmitters

Stimulants

Drugs that increase neural activity and arousal, leading to heightened alertness, attention, and energy levels

Caffeine

A natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and some sodas. It acts on the central nervous system, increasing alertness, and reducing fatigue by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine

Cocaine

A powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant. It increases neural activity, leading to euphoria, increased energy, and alertness

Depressants

drugs that slow down neural activity and bodily functions. They induce relaxation, sedation, and can lower inhibitions.

Alcohol

Depressant drug that slows down neural activity in the central nervous system. It can impair judgement, coordination, and cognitive functions, leading to relaxation, euphoria, and in higher doses, intoxication

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, often causing hallucinations or profound changes in consciousness

Marijuana

Psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. Contains THC, which alters mood, perception, and cognition. Effects include relaxation, altered perception of time, and heightened sensory experiences.

Opioids

Psychoactive drugs that act on opioid receptors in the brain and body, producing pain relief, euphoria, and sedation.

Heroin

A highly, addictive opioid drug derived from morphine. Produces intense euphoria, pain relief, anf sedation by binding to opioid receptors in the brain

Tolerance

Condition where increasing amounts of a psychoactive substance are needed to achieve the same effects. It occurs due to the brain’s adaptation to the drug, leading to reduced sensitivity to its effects over time

Withdrawal

The onset of symptoms when a person stops using a psychoactive drug after prolonged use. Symptoms include physical discomfort, psychological distress, and cravings for drugs

Addiction

Chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It involves changes in brain structure and function, leading to a loss of control over brain consumption

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, including thinking, perceiving, and decision-making

Lobes of the Brain

Four main regions of the brain or sections into which the cerebral cortex, the outer layer, is divided

Association Areas

Parts of the brain that take information from all over place and put it together to help us understand the world around us

Frontal Lobes

Located at the front, are involved in higher-level cognitive functions, executive functioning, motor movement, and linguistic processing

Motor Cortex

Region of the brain, part of the frontal lobe, responsible for planning, executing, and controlling voluntary movements for the opposite side of the body

Prefrontal cortex

Part of the frontal lobe, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions and executive functioning

Executive functioning

A set of cognitive processes that enable individuals to plan, organize, strategize, focus attention, regulate emotions, and manage time effectively

Parietal Lobe

Located at the top, responsible for processing sensory information from the body, such as touch, temperature, and spatial awareness

Somatosensory Cortex

Located in the parietal lobe, responsible for processing sensations from the touch sensitivity for the opposite side of the body

Occipital Lobes

Back of the brain, responsible for visual information received from the eyes

Temporal Lobes

Sides of brain, involved in processing auditory information, language comprehension, and memory formation

Corpus Callosum

Thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right parts of brain, facilitating communication and information sharing between left and right hemispheres

Brainstem

The oldest and most primitive part of the brain, responsible for basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing, heart rate, and sleep-wake cycles

Medulla

Hindbrain (bottom) structure responsible for heartbeat, breathing and blood pressure

Reticular Activating System

Neurons that play a critical role in regulating arousal, attention and consciousness

Cerebellum

Hindbrain structure responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture

Limbic System

A set of brain structures involved in emotions, memory, and motivation