unit 1 ap psych

nature nurture

The debate concerning the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) in shaping behavior and mental processes.

natural selection

The evolutionary process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on more frequently to future generations, leading to adaptations in species.

Charles darwin

A naturalist known for developing the theory of evolution through natural selection, which explains how species evolve over time based on heritable traits.

evolutionary psychology

the study of evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection

behavior genetics

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and enviromental influences on behavior

enviroment

every external influence

heredity

the genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring.

genes

small segments of giant dna molecules, biochemical units of hereidity

genome

complete instructions for making an organism

Identical monozygotic twins

twins that develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two.

Fraternal dizygotic twins

twins that develop from two separate fertilized eggs.

epigenetics

the study of how environmental influences can affect gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence.

nervous system

the complex network made up of nerve cells and fibers that transmits signals between different parts of the body.

central nervous system

bodys decision maker, brain and spinal cord

peripheral nervous system

the part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the limbs and organs, responsible for transmitting sensory and motor signals.

nerves

bundles of fibers that transmit signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

motor neurons

neurons that carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles, enabling movement and actions.

motor neurons

cells in the brain and spinal cord that allow us to move, speak, swallow and breathe by sending commands from the brain to the muscles that carry out these functions

standard deviation

a measure of the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values, indicating how much individual data points differ from the mean.

interneurons

neurons found within the central nervous system that communicate between sensory and motor neurons, playing a key role in reflexes and complex processing.

somatic nervous system (skeletal nervous system)

the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles and transmits sensory information to the central nervous system.

autonomic nervous system

the part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat and digestion

controls our glands and internal organ muscles

sympathetic nervous system

a component of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations, often referred to as the fight-or-flight response.

reflexes

automatic responses to stimuli

neurons

the basic building blocks of the nervous system

1.3 - parts of neurons

cell body, dendrite, axon myelin sheath, glial cells,

cell body

part of neuron that contains nucleus

dendrite

neurons branching extensions that receive and integrate messages, conducting impulses toward the cell body

axos

extensions of a neuron that passes messages through its branches to other neurons, or to muscles or glands

myelin sheath

layer of fatty tissue encasing the axons of some neurons, speeds neural impulses

negative correlation example

when video games go up, grades go down

positive correlation example

as studying goes up, grade also goes up

glial cells

cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons, play a role in learning thinking and memory

action potential

the electrical impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron, leading to the release of neurotransmitters.

threshold

the level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.

refractory period

the time following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to fire again until it returns to its resting state.

all or none response

The principle that a neuron will either fire at full strength or not at all, depending on whether the stimulus reaches the threshold.

synapse

The junction between two nerve cells where neurotransmitters are released and transmit signals from one neuron to another.

neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse between neurons.

dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and many other functions in the brain.

influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep, playing a critical role in emotional well-being.

endorphins

neurotransmitters that influence the perception of plain or pleasure

antagonist

decrease a neurotransmitters action by blocking production or release

endocrine system

The collection of glands that produce hormones regulating metabolism, growth, and development, as well as influencing mood and other functions.

hormones

chemical messengers in the body that are produced by the endocrine glands and regulate various physiological processes.

psychoactive drugs

chemicals that alter the brain, producing changes in percetions and moods

substance use disorder

disorder characterized by continued substance use despite significant negative consequences.

depressants

drugs such as alcohol, tranquilizers, and opioids that calm neural activitiy and slow body functions

reduce neural activity and slow body functions, often used to relieve anxiety or induce sleep.

opioids

a class of drugs that include both prescription pain relievers and synthetic drugs, known for their analgesic and sedative effects, but also high potential for addiction.

stimulants

excite neural activity and speed up body functions, heart and breathing rates increase, bloody sugar levels rise, pupils dilate

hallucinogens

are substances that alter perception, mood, and various cognitive processes, often causing visual or auditory hallucinations.

near death experience

a profoundly transformative experience reported by some individuals after being close to death, often characterized by feelings of peace, detachment, or visions of bright light.

neuroplasticity

the brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.

lesion

tissue distruction

EEG

an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface.

MEG

measures magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical activity.

MRI

uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain's structure

(brain scan)