Brain Anatomy & Neurotransmitters to Know for AP Psychology (copy)

Synapse

Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Agonist

Increases neurotransmitter action (mimics or blocks reuptake).

Antagonist

Decreases neurotransmitter action (blocks receptors).

Medulla

Controls heartbeat and breathing.

Cerebellum

Responsible for balance, coordination, and fine motor control.

Thalamus

Relay sensory information (except smell) to the appropriate areas of the brain.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, body temperature, and controls the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

Amygdala

Involved in emotion, particularly fear and aggression.

Hippocampus

Critical for forming new explicit memories.

Broca's area

Responsible for speech production.

Wernicke's area

Involved in language comprehension.

Prefrontal cortex

Responsible for decision-making and impulse control.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in movement, reward, and reinforcement.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that affects mood and sleep.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter associated with alertness and stress response.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Involved in muscle action, learning, and memory.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability.

Glutamate

Excitatory neurotransmitter important for learning and memory.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural pain relievers.

Brainstem

Responsible for automatic survival functions.

Corpus callosum

Bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Left hemisphere

Primarily involved in language processing and logical reasoning.

Right hemisphere

Involved in spatial abilities, face recognition, and holistic processing.