AP Psychology practice

Peripheral Nervous System

Network of nerves that branch out from the Brain and Spinal Cord.

Central Nervous System

Consists of the Brain and Spinal Cord.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls self-regulating internal organs.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Responsible for arousal.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Responsible for calming.

Steps of Action Potential

Dendrites receive neurotransmitters, reaching threshold, opens portal in axon allowing Na in, closes original portal, and Terminal Buttons convert electro-charge to chemical to shoot across synapse.

Dopamine

Involved in learning, movement, emotion, and attention; oversupply can lead to schizophrenia, undersupply can lead to Parkinson's disease.

Acetylcholine

Involved in learning, memory, and muscle action; malfunctions can lead to Alzheimer's.

Serotonin

Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal; undersupply can lead to depression.

Norepinephrine

Affects alertness and arousal; undersupply can lead to depression.

Depressants

Substances like alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates; stop brain from producing endorphins.

Stimulants

Substances like amphetamines and caffeine; speed up brain activity and function.

Hallucinogens

Substances like LSD and marijuana.

Cerebellum

Responsible for coordination, balance, and movement.

Medulla

Controls heartbeat and breathing.

Pons

Involved in unconscious movement.

Reticular Formation

Involved in alertness and arousal.

Thalamus

Acts as a sensory switchboard.

Hippocampus

Involved in learning and memory.

Hypothalamus

Controls body temperature, sleep, and emotional activity.

Broca’s Area

Responsible for speech production.

Wernicke’s Area

Responsible for speech comprehension.