AP Psych Quiz 2

Nervous System - Near-Death Experience

Nervous System

Body's speedy electrochemical communication network for sending messages.[cite: 1]

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; the body's decision-maker.[cite: 1]

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Sensory and motor neurons connecting CNS to body.[cite: 1]

Nerves

Bundles of axons connecting CNS with peripheral receptors.[cite: 1]

Sensory (Afferent) Neurons

Carry incoming information from sensory receptors to CNS.[cite: 1]

Motor (Efferent) Neurons

Carry outgoing information from CNS to muscles/glands.[cite: 1]

Interneurons

Neurons within CNS processing information between input/output.[cite: 1]

Somatic Nervous System

Controls body's skeletal muscles for voluntary movements.[cite: 1]

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls glands and internal organ muscles automatically.[cite: 1]

Sympathetic Nervous System

Division of ANS that arouses body and mobilizes energy.[cite: 1]

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Division of ANS that calms body and conserves energy.[cite: 1]

Reflex

Simple automatic response to a sensory stimulus.[cite: 1]

Neuron

Nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system.[cite: 1]

Cell Body

The cell's life-support center containing the nucleus.[cite: 1]

Dendrites

Neuron's branching extensions that receive messages from other cells.[cite: 1]

Axon

Passes messages away from cell body to other neurons.[cite: 1]

Myelin Sheath

Fatty tissue layer insulating axons and speeding impulses.[cite: 1]

Glial Cells (Glia)

Cells supporting protecting and nourishing neurons in system.[cite: 1]

Action Potential

Neural impulse; brief electrical charge traveling down axon.[cite: 1]

Threshold

Level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.[cite: 1]

Refractory Period

Brief resting pause after neuron fires before refiring.[cite: 1]

All-or-None Response

Neuron's reaction firing full strength or not at all.[cite: 1]

Synapse

Junction between sending neuron axon and receiving dendrite.[cite: 1]

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers crossing synaptic gap between neurons.[cite: 1]

Reuptake

Reabsorption of excess neurotransmitter molecules by sending neuron.[cite: 1]

Endorphins

Natural opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and pleasure.[cite: 1]

Agonist

Molecule stimulating response by binding to a receptor site.[cite: 1]

Antagonist

Molecule inhibiting or blocking a response at receptor sites.[cite: 1]

Endocrine System

Slow chemical communication system; glands secreting hormones into bloodstream.[cite: 1]

Hormones

Chemical messengers created by endocrine glands traveling through blood.[cite: 1]

Psychoactive Drug

Chemical substance altering perceptions mood and consciousness state.[cite: 1]

Substance Use Disorder

Continued substance craving and use despite significant disruption.[cite: 1]

Depressants

Drugs reducing neural activity and slowing body functions.[cite: 1]

Tolerance

Diminished effect with regular use requiring larger doses.[cite: 1]

Addiction

Compulsive craving of drugs or behaviors despite harmful consequences.[cite: 1]

Withdrawal

Discomfort and distress following discontinuing an addictive substance.[cite: 1]

Barbiturates

Depressant drugs depressing central nervous system activity; reduces anxiety.[cite: 1]

Opioids

Depressant drugs relieving pain and depressing neural activity.[cite: 1]

Stimulants

Drugs exciting neural activity and speeding up body functions.[cite: 1]

Hallucinogens

Psychedelic drugs distorting perceptions and evoking sensory images.[cite: 1]

Near-Death Experience

Altered state of consciousness reported after close brush with death.[cite: 1]