APPSYCH unit 1 section 1 30-61

glial cells

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

reflex arc

neural pathway that a reflex takes in the body

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

in neural processing, a brief resting pause that occurs after a neuron has fired; subsequent action potentials can not occur until the axon returns to its resting state

all-or-none response

a neurons response of either firing (with a full strength response) 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

depolarization

a neurons electrical charge becomes less negative (more positive) because of increased levels of sodium

reuptake

a neurotransmitters reabsorption by the sending neuron

endorphins

“morphine within”— natural, opiod-like transmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure

agonist

a molecule that increases a neurotransmitters action

antagonist

a molecule that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitters action

endocrine system

the body’s “slow” chemical communications system; a set of glands and fat tissue that secrete hormones

hormones

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

psychoactive drugs

a chemical substance that alters the brain, causing changes in perceptions and moods

substance use disorder

a disorder characterized by continued substance use despite significant life disruption

depressants

drugs that reduce neural activities and slow body functions

tolerance

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

addiction

an everyday term for compulsive substance use that continue despite harmful consequences

withdrawal

the discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior

barbiturates

drugs that depress central nervous system activity, but impairing memory and judgement

opioids

opium and its derivatives, they depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety

stimulants

drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions

hallucinogens

psychedelic (“mind-manifesting”) drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input

near death experience

an altered state of consciousness reported after a close brush with death (such as cardiac arrest); often similar to drug-induced hallucinogens.

biological psychology

the scientific study of the links between biological and psychological processes

biopsychological approach

an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis

levels of analysis

the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon

(brain plasticity) neuroplasticity

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

lesions

tissue destruction. brain lesions may occur naturally, during surgery, or experimentally

EEG (electroencephalogram)

an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes on the scalp