Psychology Unit 3 AoS 1

Central Nervous System

Made up of the brain and spinal cord, it processes and coordinates responses to sensory stimuli.

Brain

Receives and processes sensory stimuli from the body, coordinating responses.

Spinal Cord

A dense bundle of nerves that carries sensory information from the body to the brain and vice versa.

Peripheral Nervous System

All the nerves outside the central nervous system that carry messages between the CNS and the body.

Somatic Nervous System

Carries sensory information to the CNS and motor information to the body.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls the body's internal environment in a self-regulated manner.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Increases arousal, preparing the body for a quick response when perceiving a threat.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Controls the body's internal environment and returns it to normal after stress.

Neuron

Information is collected by dendrites, travels along the axon, and to the next neuron via axon terminals.

Sensory Neuron

A nerve cell that carries sensory signals throughout the nervous system.

Motor Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits motor impulses from the spinal cord to the skeletal system.

Interneuron

A nerve cell in the spinal cord that connects motor and sensory neurons.

Afferent

Refers to sensory information.

Efferent

Refers to motor information.

Skeletal Muscles

Muscles that connect to bones, allowing for voluntary movements.

Unconscious Response

Any involuntary response of our nervous system that does not require awareness.

Spinal Reflex

An unconscious, involuntary response that occurs without brain involvement.

Conscious Response

Any response of the nervous system that requires awareness and is usually voluntary.

Neural Transmission

An electrical impulse that occurs when a neuron is activated.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances that neurons use to communicate by sending signals across synapses.

Synapse

The point of communication between two neurons or a neuron and a target cell.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Increase the likelihood that the post-synaptic neuron will fire an action potential.

Glutamate

Involved with learning and memory, enhancing information transmission.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Decrease the likelihood that the post-synaptic neuron will fire an action potential.

GABA

An inhibitory neurotransmitter associated with anxiety and phobias.

Agonists

Substances that mimic the effects of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonists

Substances that slow down the effects of a neurotransmitter.

Neuromodulator

A subclass of neurotransmitter that alters the strength of neural transmission.

Dopamine

A neuromodulator involved in movement, pleasure, attention, and motivation.

Reward Pathway

A group of brain structures activated by rewarding stimuli.

Serotonin

An inhibitory neuromodulator influencing mood and various brain activities.

Serotonin Pathway

Origins in the brainstem, extending throughout the cerebrum.

Presynaptic Neuron

Releases neurochemicals into the neural synapse.

Postsynaptic Neuron

Receives neurochemicals from the presynaptic neuron.

Synaptic Plasticity

Specific changes that occur within the synapse between neurons.

Long Term Potentiation (LTP)

The strengthening of synaptic connections due to repeated activation.

Long Term Depression (LTD)

The weakening of synaptic connections due to repeated low-level activation.

Rerouting

Formation of new connections between neurons to establish alternative pathways.

Sprouting

Development of new axon terminals and dendrites for new connections.

Synaptic Pruning

Elimination of weak or unused synapses.

Synaptogenesis

The formation of new synapses.

Psychological Response

Feelings such as fear and thoughts in response to stress.

Biological Response

Physiological reactions like increased heart rate due to stress.

Stressor

Any event that causes stress.

Internal Stressors

Stressors that originate within the individual.

External Stressors

Stressors that originate outside the individual.

Acute Stress

Short-term, intense stress that can enhance performance.

Fight and Flight Responses

The body's immediate reaction signaling increased arousal.

Freeze Responses

A preparatory state for fight or flight responses.

Chronic Stress

Long-term stress that can be detrimental to health.

Cortisol

A hormone released during prolonged stress that suppresses the immune system.

Vagus Nerve

Connects the brain to organs in the autonomic nervous system.

Gut Microbiota

Microbes in the gut that assist with neurotransmitter production.

General Adaptation Syndrome

The body's biological response to stress in three stages.

Stage 1: Alarm Reaction

Initial response to stress, including shock and countershock.

Stage 2: Resistance

When the body’s stress response is heightened over time.

Stage 3: Exhaustion

Prolonged stress leads to extreme fatigue and inefficiency in coping.

Appraisal

The process of categorizing an event regarding its significance.

Primary Appraisal

Determining whether a situation is significant or stressful.

Secondary Appraisal

Assessing resources to manage a deemed stressful situation.

Coping

Methods used to manage and reduce stress.

Coping Strategy

A method to manage or reduce stress from a stressor.

Approach Strategies

Strategies involving direct confrontation of the stressor.

Avoidance Strategies

Strategies involving indirect handling of the stressor.

Coping Flexibility

The ability to adjust coping strategies based on the situation.

Context Specific Effectiveness

Match between coping strategy and stressful situation.