AP Psychology Unit 1

Neurons

Nerve cells that are the building blocks of the nervous system.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons.

Axon

The long part of the neuron that transmits messages to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that covers the axon of some neurons, helping to speed up neural impulses.

Action Potential

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

Synapse

The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that cross synapses to transmit signals between neurons.

Reuptake

A process in which neurotransmitters are absorbed back into the sending neuron.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters linked to pain control and pleasure.

Agonist

A substance that mimics the effects of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The sensory and motor neurons that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary functions such as heartbeat and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations (fight-or-flight response).

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body, conserving energy.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by the endocrine glands that influence body functions.

Adrenal Glands

A pair of glands that produce hormones (like adrenaline) involved in the fight-or-flight response.

Pituitary Gland

The "master gland" of the endocrine system, influencing other glands and controlling growth.

Medulla

The base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.

Pons

Helps coordinate movement and control sleep.

Reticular Formation

A nerve network in the brainstem that plays a role in controlling arousal.

Thalamus

The brain's sensory control center, directing messages to sensory areas in the cortex.

Cerebellum

Located at the back of the brain; coordinates voluntary movements and balance.

Limbic System

A neural system associated with emotions and drives.

Amygdala

Involved in emotion, especially fear and aggression.

Hypothalamus

Regulates basic needs like hunger, thirst, and body temperature.

Hippocampus

Involved in memory processing.

Cerebral Cortex

The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; responsible for higher-level processes such as thinking, planning, and judgment.

Frontal Lobes

Involved in speaking, planning, and controlling voluntary movements.

Parietal Lobes

Receives sensory input for touch and body position.

Occipital Lobes

Includes areas that receive information from the visual fields.

Temporal Lobes

Includes areas responsible for hearing.

Consciousness

Our awareness of ourselves and our environment.

Circadian Rhythm

The biological clock; regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24-hour cycle.

REM Sleep

A recurring sleep stage during which vivid dreams commonly occur.

NREM Sleep

Non-rapid eye movement sleep; encompasses all sleep stages except for REM sleep.

Sleep Cycle

The progression through various stages of sleep, typically lasting about 90 minutes.

Sleep Disorders

Include insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea.

Dreams

Sequences of images, emotions, and thoughts passing through a sleeping person's mind.

Psychoactive Drugs

Chemical substances that alter perceptions and mood.

Depressants

Drugs like alcohol that reduce neural activity and slow body functions.

Stimulants

Drugs like caffeine, nicotine, and amphetamines that excite neural activity and speed up body functions.

Hallucinogens

Drugs like LSD that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images without sensory input.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A device that records electrical activity in the brain.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of soft tissue in the brain.

fMRI (Functional MRI)

A technique for revealing blood flow and brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans.