Unit 1: Psychology

Nature

The influence of genetic inheritance on behavior and mental processes.

Evolutionary Perspective

An approach in psychology that examines how natural selection has shaped behavior and mental processes.

Natural Selection

The process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on more frequently to future generations.

Nurture

The influence of environmental factors and experiences on behavior and mental processes.

Eugenics

A controversial movement aimed at improving the genetic composition of the human population through selective breeding.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord; responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that processing and transmitting information throughout the body.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A branch of the ANS that prepares the body for "fight-or-flight" responses during stressful situations.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The network of nerves outside the CNS that connects it to the rest of the body.

Somatic Nervous System

A part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A branch of the ANS that calms the body and conserves energy after stress responses.

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit information throughout the nervous system via electrical and chemical signals.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that provide nourishment, protection, electrical and chemical signals.

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls automatic responses to stimuli without conscious brain involvement.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that carry information from sensory receptors to the CNS.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from the CNS to muscles and glands, initiating action.

Interneurons

Neurons within the CNS that communicate internally and intervene between sensory inputs and motor outputs.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter perception, mood, consciousness, or behavior by affecting the nervous system.

Antagonist

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

Stimulants

Drugs that increase neural activity and speed up body functions.

brain.

Cocaine

A powerful stimulant that increases levels of dopamine, leading to euphoria and increased energy.

Opioids

A class of drugs that reduce pain and produce euphoria by acting on the nervous

system's opioid receptors.

Heroin

An illegal opioid that produces intense euphoria and is highly addictive.

Addiction

A compulsive craving for a substance or behavior despite adverse consequences.

Agonist

A substance that enhances or mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.

Reuptake Inhibitor

A substance that blocks the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, increasing their availability in the synapse.

Depressants

Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions.

Alcohol

A depressant that affects the central nervous system, impairing judgment and coordination.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that cause perceptual distortions and hallucinations.

Marijuana

A drug derived from the Cannabis plant that has psychoactive effects, including altered perception and mood.

Tolerance

A reduced response to a drug after prolonged use, requiring increased amounts to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal

Physical and psychological symptoms experienced when reducing or discontinuing a substance that one has become dependent on.

All-or-Nothing Principle

The concept that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all.

Depolarization

A change in a cell's membrane potential that makes it more positive, initiating an action potential.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron after transmitting a neural impulse.

Multiple Sclerosis

A disease characterized by the degeneration of the myelin sheath, leading to impaired nervous system function.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that promote the firing of neurons by increasing the likelihood of an action potential.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, movement, and attention.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, reducing neuronal excitability.

Substance P

A neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of pain signals.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by glands that regulate various bodily functions.

Leptin

A hormone that regulates energy balance by inhibiting hunger.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Refractory Period

The period after a neuron fires during which

● Resting Potential

The stable, negative charge of an inactive neuron.

● Threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.

● Myasthenia Gravis

A chronic autoimmune disorder that weakens muscles by affecting communication between nerves and muscles.

● Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that reduce the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

● Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.

● Glutamate

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.

● Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and produce feelings of pleasure.

● Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and memory.

● Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

A hormone that increases heart rate and prepares the body for "fight-or-flight" responses.

● Ghrelin

A hormone that stimulates hunger.

● Oxytocin

A hormone associated with bonding, trust, and social relationships.

● Brain Plasticity (Neuroplasticity)

The brain's ability to change and adapt by forming new neural connections.

● EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A test that measures electrical activity in the brain.

● fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A brain imaging technique that tracks blood flow to measure brain activity.

● Lesions

Damage to brain tissue that can affect behavior and cognitive functions.

● Brain Stem

The part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and controls basic survival functions.

● Medulla Oblongata

Regulates vital functions like heart rate and breathing.

● Reticular Activating System (Reticular Formation)

A network of neurons involved in arousal and attention.

● Cerebellum

The "little brain" that coordinates movement and balance.

● Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher-level thinking, perception, and decision-making.

● Limbic System

A group of brain structures involved in emotions, motivation, and memory.

● Thalamus

The brain's sensory relay station.

● Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, body temperature, and the endocrine system.

● Pituitary Gland

The "master gland" that regulates hormone production.

● Hippocampus

Essential for memory formation.

● Amygdala

Processes emotions like fear and aggression.

● Corpus Callosum

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

● Broca’s Area

A brain region involved in speech production.

● Wernicke’s Area

A brain region involved in language comprehension.

● Cortex Specialization

The idea that different brain regions are responsible for specific functions.

● Contralateral Hemispheric Organization

The concept that each brain hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body.

● Aphasia

A language disorder caused by brain damage.

● Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information.

● Temporal Lobe

Involved in hearing and memory.

● Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information related to touch and spatial awareness.

● Somatosensory Cortex

Interprets sensory information from the body.

● Frontal Lobe

Associated with decision-making, personality, and voluntary movement.

● Prefrontal Cortex

Responsible for complex cognitive behavior, decision-making, and social interactions.

● Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary movements.

● Circadian Rhythm

The body's internal clock regulating sleep and wake cycles.

● Jet Lag

Disruption of circadian rhythms due to rapid travel across time zones.

● EEG Patterns

Different brain wave patterns corresponding to different sleep and wake states.

● NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep

The sleep stage associated with deep rest and body restoration.

● Hypnagogic Sensations

Vivid sensory experiences that occur as one falls asleep.

● REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep

The sleep stage associated with dreaming and memory consolidation.

● REM Rebound

Increased REM sleep after sleep deprivation.

● Activation-Synthesis Theory

A theory that dreams result from the brain trying to make sense of random neural activity.

● Consolidation Theory

A theory that sleep helps strengthen and organize memories.

● Insomnia

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

● Narcolepsy

A disorder causing sudden, uncontrollable sleep episodes.

● REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

A sleep disorder where individuals physically act out dreams.

● Sleep Apnea

A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

● Somnambulism (Sleepwalking)

Engaging in complex activities while asleep.