Ap Psych unit 1

nerves

bundled axons that form neural "cables" connecting the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs

sensory (afferent)

neurons that cary incoming information from the body's tissues + sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord

motor (efferent)

neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord

interneurons

neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and process info between the sensory inputs and motor outputs

somatic nervous system

the division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body's skeletal muscles

autonomic nervous system

the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (such as the heart). Its sympathetic division arouses; its parasympathetic division calms.

sympathetic nervous system

the division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing it's energy

parasympathetic nervous system

the division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body, conserving its energy

reflex

a simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee-jerk response

neuron

a nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system

cell body

the part of a neuron that contains the nucleus; the cell's life-support center

dendrites

Branchlike parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information.

axon

the neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons or to muscles or glands

myelin sheath

a fatty tissue that covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses

glial cells

cells that support, nourish, and protect neurons/also play a role in learning, thinking + memory

action potential

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

threshold

the level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse

refractory period

a brief resting period pause that occurs after a neuron has fired

all or nothing response

a neurons reaction to either firing or not firing

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 the synaptic gaps between neurons

reputake

a neurotransmitter's reabsorption by the sending neuron

endorphins

natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure

agonist

increases a neurotransmitter's action

antagonist

inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitters action

endocrine system

the body's "slow" chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream

hormones

chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues

psychoactive drugs

chemicals that affect the central nervous system and alter activity in the brain

substance use disorder

disorder characterized by continued substance craving and use despite significant life disruption and/or physical risk

depressants

drugs that reduce neural activity and slow bodily functions

Tolerance

the diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring the user to take larger doses before experiencing the drug's effect

addiction

compulsive drug craving and use

withdrawal

the discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug

barbiturates

drugs that depress the activity of the central nervous system, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgment

opioids

it depresses neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety

stimulants

drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions

hallucinogens

drugs that distort moods, thoughts, and senses.

near death experience

an altered state of consciousness reported atter a close brush with death