AP Psychology: Module 9

Phrenology

The study of bumps on the skull to reveal brain size and associated mental capabilities and character traits.

Localization of function

The idea that various brain regions have specific functions.

Biological Psychologists

Scientists who study the links between biological processes and psychological processes.

Adaptive brain

Our brain is wired by our experiences to adapt to the environment.

Nerve cells

Cells in the body that conduct electricity and communicate through chemical messages.

Specific brain systems

Different regions of the brain serve specific functions.

Biopsychosocial systems

Humans are composed of biological, psychological, and social systems that interact with each other.

Neurons

Nerve cells that are the basic building blocks of the nervous system.

Cell body

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and supports the cell's functions.

Dendrites

Branching extensions of neurons that receive and integrate messages from other cells.

Axon

The neuron extension that passes messages to other neurons or muscles/glands.

Neural impulse (action potential)

Electrical signal traveling down the axon.

Terminal branches of axon

The end of the axon that connects with other cells through a synaptic gap.

Myelin sheath

Fatty tissue layer that encases axons, enabling faster transmission of neural impulses.

Glial cells

Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons.

Action potential

Brief electrical charge that travels down an axon, resulting in the firing of a neuron.

Resting potential

Positive-outside/negative-inside state of a neuron at rest.

Threshold

Minimum level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.

Refractory period

Brief resting pause that occurs after a neuron has fired, preventing subsequent action potentials.

All-or-none response

Neuron's reaction of either firing with full strength or not firing at all.

Synapse

Junction between the sending neuron's axon tip and the receiving neuron's dendrite or cell body.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap and influence the generation of neural impulses.

Reuptake

Reabsorption of excess neurotransmitters by the sending neuron.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter that enables muscle action, learning, and memory.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter that influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter that affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter that helps control alertness and arousal.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Glutamate

Major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in memory.

Endorphins

Opiate-like neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain and pleasure.