Unit 1.1-1.4 AP Psych

Adoption Studies

Research designs that assess the influence of genetics and environment on behavior by comparing adopted individuals to their biological and adoptive families.

Eugenics

A controversial social philosophy advocating for the improvement of human genetic traits through selective breeding

Evolutionary Perspective

A theoretical approach in psychology that explains behavior and mental processes in terms of their adaptive value for survival.

Genetic Predisposition

An increased likelihood of developing a particular disease or trait based on a person’s genetic makeup.

Heredity

The biological transmission of traits from parents to their offspring through genes

Natural Selection

The process through which traits enhance survival and reproduction become more common in successive generations of a population

CNS(Central Nervous System)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord

ANS(Autonomic Nervous System)

The division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system outside the CNS that connects the CNS to the limbs and organs

Sympathetic Nervous System

A branch of the ANS responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response, increasing heart rate and energy availability

Parasympathetic Nervous System,

The branch of the ANS that promotes “rest and digestion” activities, conserving energy and maintaining homeostasis

Somatic Nervous System

A subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information

Action Potential

A rapid and temporary change in the electrical charge of a neuron that occurs when it sends a signal

All of Nothing Principle

The principle stating that a neuron or either fires and action potential or does not; there is no partial firing

Axon

The long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons

Depolarization

The process by which a neuron’s membrane potential becomes more positive, leading to the initiation of an action potential

Glial Cells

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support, protection, and nourishment to neurons

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons and facilitate communications between them

Motor neurons

Neurons that transmit signals from the CNS to muscles to initiate movement

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulated axons and speeds up neural transmission

Nerves

Bundles of axons that transmit signals between the CNS and rest of the body

Neural Transmission

The process of communication between neurons through electrical and chemical signals

Neuron

The basic building block of the nervous system responsible from transmitting information

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action, typically involving sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons

Refractory period

Period following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to fire again

Resting potential

The electrical potential of a neuron when it is not actively transmitting a signal

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron after transmitting a signal

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that transmit sensory information from the body to the central nervous system

Synapse

The junction between two neurons for neurotransmitters are released in signals are transmitted

Threshold

The minimum level of stimulus required to trigger an action potential in a neuron

Agonists

Substances that enhance the action of neurotransmitters

Antagonist

Substances that inhibit the action of neurotransmitters

Depressants

Substances that reduce neural activity and slow down body functions

Hallucinogens

Substances that cause perceptual distortions and altered state of consciousness

Opioids

A class of drugs, that induce both prescription pain, relievers and illegal drugs, acting on opioid receptors to produce pain relief

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that affect the brain and alter consciousness, mood, and behavior

Stimulants

Substances that increase neural activity and elevate mood and energy levels

Addiction

A psychological and physical dependence on a substance or behavior

Tolerance

The condition in which a person requires more of a substance to achieve the same effect due to repeated use

Withdrawal

The physical and psychological symptoms experience when a person stops using a substance they are dependent on

Amygdala

A brain region involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure

Hippocampus

A brain structure essential for memory formation and spatial navigation

Hypothalamus

A brain region that regulates various bodily function, including temperature, hunger, and circadian rhythms

Thalamus

A brain structure that serves as a relay station for sensory information

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions such as thought, action, and emotion

Frontal Lobe

The part of the brain associated with reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation

Motor Cortex

A region in the frontal lobe responsible for the planning and execution of voluntary movements

Somatosensory Cortex

A region in the parietal lobe that processes sensory information from the body

Temporal Lobe

The part of the brain associated with processing auditory information and memory

Occipital Lobe

The region of the brain responsible for processing visual information

Parietal Lobe

The part of the brain that processes sensory information related to touch, temperature, and pain

Prefrontal Cortex

A region in the frontal lobe involved in complex cognitive behavior, decision-making, and moderating social behavior

Corpus Callosum

A bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemisphere of the brain facilitating communication between the,

Plasticity

The brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to experience and learning

Broca’s Area and Aphasia

A region in the frontal lobe associated with speech production; damage ca result in Broca’s aphasia, characterized by difficulty in speech production.

Wernicke’s Area and Aphasia

A region in the temporal lobe involved in language comprehension; damage can lead to Wernicke’s aphasia, where individuals have difficulty understanding language

Contralateral Control

The principle that each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body

Association Areas

Regions of the brain involved in integrating and processing information from multiple sources, contributing to higher-level functions.