Quiz 2 - AP PSYCHOLOGY

Evolutionary Perspective

Subfield of psychology interested in behaviors and mental attributes that allow people to live to the age of reproduction

Medulla

The lowest brainstem structure – essential to life, controlling such vital physiological functions as heartbeat, circulation, and respiration

Sensory Neurons

Also known as “afferent” neurons, these neurons carry messages from the body’s tissues and sensory organs inward to the brain and spinal cordEfff

Heritability

A statistic that quantifies the extent to which variation in a trait across individuals can be accounted for by genetic variation

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter linked to both Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia

Endorphins

Short for “endogenous morphine” – these chemicals explain good feelings such as pain relief and “runners high”

Thalamus

This egg-shaped structure is the brain’s relay station or “switchboard”

Corpus Callosum

Bridge of fibers passing information between the two cerebral hemispheres

Parietal

Touch sensations can be localized in this lobe

Pituitary Gland

This pea-sized structure is often referred to as the “master gland” and is responsible for the increased secretion of growth hormone at puberty

Threshold

If this point is reached, a neuron will fire (e.g., -65mv)

Hormones

Chemical messengers that are secreted from glands into the bloodstream

PET

A brain imaging technique where researchers inject a radioactive glucose into a participant to measure ongoing activity in different regions of the brain

MRI

a non-invasive medical test that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to generate detailed, cross-sectional images (like slices) of your body's internal organs, soft tissues (like muscles, brain, spinal cord), and bones

Dendrites

Branchlike extensions of the neuron that receive input from other cells

Frontal Lobe

Located just behind the forehead – the seat of “executive functions” -goal setting, judgment, strategic planning, and impulse control

Broca's Area

Located in the left frontal lobe, this region is specialized for movements of the mouth and tongue necessary for speech production

Autonomic

This branch of the peripheral nervous system controls automatic, involuntary processes (such as sweating, heart contractions, and intestinal activity)

Hypothalamus

The brain’s “thermostat” – plays major role in sexual behavior, sleeping, eating, temperature regulation, aggression, and drinking

Identical Twins

These twins develop from the union of one sperm and one egg

Personality

one’s character, interests, temperament are largely genetic.

Adoption studies confirmed…

the personality children tends to reflect biological parents rather than adopted parents

Sex hormones

testosterone and estrogen.

Natural Selection

Charles Darwin created it, traits that allow populations to reproduce and survive are passed on to the subsequent generations.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain communicates through a series of electrochemical signals within itself and through the spinal cord to other parts of the body

Peripheral nervous system (PNS

The sensory nerves and tissues that relay messages to the brain through the CNS.

Neural circuits

in our brain lobes and cortical areas (cerebral cortex) interact electrochemically to interpret signals, send signals, think, etc.

Somatic nervous system

enables VOLUNTARY muscle movement through motor neurons

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system is largely uncontrollable, operating on automatically to beat the heart, digest food, and move organs.

Sympathetic nervous system

arouses and expends energy (fight or flight)

Parasympathetic nervous system

slows your heartbeat, lowers blood sugar, and calms your system afterwards.

Motor Neurons

a nerve cell forming part of a pathway along which impulses pass from the brain or spinal cord to a muscle or gland.

Fraternal twins

Who develop from two separate eggs and two sperm, sharing about 50% of their genes like regular siblings

Brain

the central organ of the nervous system responsible for processing sensory information, regulating bodily functions, and enabling cognition, emotions, and behaviors

Spinal Cord

The bundle of nerve fibers that transmits signals between the brain and the body is known as the

Heredity

Which term refers to the study of how mental traits are passed down through generations?

Heredity

Which term refers to the transmission of genetic characteristics from parents to offspring?

Peripheral Nervous System

The network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord is known as the:

Evolution

Which concept describes the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring?

Eugenics

Which term describes the genetic improvement of a population through selective breeding?

Cerebral Cortex

The layer of the brain involved in higher-level functions like sensation, perception, and voluntary motor actions is the:

Which of the following IS part of the central nervous system?

Spinal Cord, Cerebral Cortex, and Brain

Mental Processes

Which of the following involves conscious thoughts, emotions, and actions?

Electrochemical

Which term is used to describe the chemical and electrical changes that occur within the nervous system?

reticular activating system (RAS)

a network of neurons in the brain stem that regulates wakefulness and sleep-wale transitions, and filters incoming sensory information.

cerebellum

coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and motor skills, and contributes to cognitive function like attention and language.

The Cerebral Cortex

the outer layer of the brain. It is responsible for complex functions such as perception, thought, language, and conscious awareness.

Occipital Lobe

Located at the back of the brain, they process visual info. And are involved in visual perception. (Seeing

Temporal Lobes

Located on the sides of the brain, they are involved in processing auditory information, language comprehension, memory, and emotional responses. (hearing)

Parietal Lobes

Situated at the top and back of the brain, they process sensory information related to touch, temperature, and pain, and help with spatial orientation and body awareness. (touch, etc.)

Frontal Lobes

Located at the front of the brain, they are involved in decision-making, problem-solving, planning, voluntary movement, and controlling behaviors and emotions. (Critical thinking)

Brain Lateralization

Motor and sensory neurons are connected to the brain laterally, meaning, each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body.

Broca’s Area

A region in the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere, usually the left, of the brain with functions linked to speech production.

Wernicke’s Area

A region of the temporal lobe on the left hemisphere responsible for language comprehension.

Soma

The cell body, which contains all the DNA, and other essential parts for keeping the neuron alive

Synapse

Communication between neurons occurs here

Interneurons

Connect sensory and motor Neurons and carry impulses between them are called

Threshold

The minimum level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulses.

Refractory Period

The brief period after a neuron fires during which it cannot fire again.

Excitatory

Neurotransmitter that increases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, appetite, and sleep

GABA

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central Nervous System

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers are called

Melatonin

The hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles

Oxytocin

The hormone is known as the “love hormone” due to its role in social bonding and reproductive behaviors

Norepinephrine

neurotransmitter and hormone that is involved in the body’s “FIGHT OR FLIGHT”

Response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles.

Glutamate

the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and central nervous system essential for synaptic plasticity, LEARNING AND MEMORY

Substance P

a neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of PAIN SIGNAL from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system; it also plays a role in inflammation and stress responses.

Acetylcholine

a neurotransmitter involved in many functions, including MUSCLE CONTRACTION, arousal, attention, memory, and learning.

Adrenaline

a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supply by triggering the ‘flight or fight’ response (FIGHT OR FLIGHT)

Leptin

produced by fat cells that helps to regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger (FULLNESS)

Ghrelin

stimulates appetite, increases food intake, and promotes fat storage by signaling the brain to induce the feeling of hunger. (HUNGRY)

Glial cells

support and protect neurons by providing structural support, insulating nerve fibers, maintaining homeostasis, removing waste during sleep, and assisting in signal transmission.

Depolarization

It's a shift from the resting state (polarized) towards a positive action potential, crucial for cell communication and function.

All-or-nothing basis

once the threshold is reached the neuron will fire completely; if the threshold is not met, no action potential occurs.

Resting potential

At rest, a neuron maintains a stable, negative internal charge compared to its external environment, creating a state of readiness for activation

Action Potential

the neuron enters a refractory period, during which it temporarily cannot fire again, ensuring that action potentials only move in one direction and maintain a consistent firing rate.

Reuptake

After neurotransmitters are released into the synapses and bind the receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, they are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron for reuse

Myelin Sheath

A protective, fatty-protein layer insulating nerve cell axons

Sleep

Protect us from the perils of night,

repair tissue, consolidate memories, and enhance cognitive function

rapid eye movement (REM)

the eyes and their muscles remain active due to the fact that they are connected

directly to our brains; deep sleep.

Motor Cortex during Sleep

During sleep, It’s active, but motor command signals are blocked by the brain stem

Circadian rhythm

generally based on sunlight; our body uses this cycle to induce both sleeping (melatonin) and waking signals (cortisol)

Jet lag and shift work result in the disruption it’s alignment with day and night

Non-REM 1

short, hypnogogic ‘falling asleep’ state

Non-REM 3

delta brain waves – ‘deep sleep’

REM

sleep for roughly 10 minutes with vivid dreaming

Full REM Cycle

Once a person reaches a full cycle, our brains then cycle back-to-back to NREM-3,

NREM-2, and then to REM again for 10 minutes; a full cycle is roughly 90 minute

Dreams

vivid, hallucinations that

are often of regular, familiar details in our life we regret or relish

vivid dreaming

exclusively a part of REM sleep

Activation-Synthesis Theory

A theory of dreaming proposed by Hobson and McCarley, suggesting that dreams are the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity during REM sleep, synthesizing this activity into coherent narrative

Consolidation Theory:

A theory that posits sleep, particularly REM sleep, plays a crucial role in consolidating and stabilizing newly acquired memories, transferring them from short-term to long-term storage

Insomnia

consistent lack of sleep and/or inability to maintain sleep

Narcolepsy

uncontrolled bouts of falling asleep (short or long)

Sleep apnea

temporary seizing of breath and micro-wake ups

that interrupt sleeping cycles and deplete people of deep sleep

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

A condition where individuals act out their dreams during REM sleep, often resulting in physical movements and vocalizations, due to a lack of normal muscle paralysis

Somnambulism (Sleepwalking):

A sleep disorder occurring during non-REM sleep, where individuals perform complex behaviors such as walking or talking while still asleep