Ap psychology unit 3 Vocab IHS

Biological Psychology

Study of how biology influences behavior.

Neuron

Nerve cell that transmits signals.

Dendrites

Receive messages for the neuron.

Axon

Sends signals from the neuron.

Myelin Sheath

Insulates axon, speeds up signals.

Action Potential

Electrical signal traveling down the axon.

Refractory Period

Neuron’s rest time after firing.

Threshold

Minimum signal required to trigger action potential.

All-or-None Response

Neuron either fires completely or not at all.

Synapse

Gap where neurons communicate.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals between neurons.

Reuptake

Reabsorption of neurotransmitters.

Endorphins

Natural painkillers.

Agonist

Mimics neurotransmitters.

Antagonist

Blocks neurotransmitters.

Nervous System

Body’s communication network.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves outside the CNS.

Nerves

Bundles of axons.

Sensory (Afferent) Neurons

Carry signals to the CNS.

Motor (Efferent) Neurons

Carry signals from CNS to muscles.

Interneurons

Connect neurons within the CNS.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body.

Reflex

Automatic response to stimuli.

Endocrine System

Gland system that releases hormones.

Hormones

Chemical messengers in the bloodstream.

Adrenal Glands

Produce stress-related hormones.

Pituitary Gland

Controls other glands, growth.

Lesion

Tissue damage.

EEG

Measures brain’s electrical activity.

CT Scan

X-ray images of the brain.

PET Scan

Shows brain activity using radioactive glucose.

MRI

Detailed images of brain tissue.

Brainstem

Controls vital functions.

Medulla

Controls heartbeat and breathing.

Thalamus

Directs sensory signals to the brain.

Reticular Formation

Regulates arousal and attention.

Cerebellum

Coordinates movement and balance.

Limbic System

Emotion and memory center.

Amygdala

Processes emotions like fear and aggression.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, and temperature.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain, involved in higher thinking.

Glial Cells

Support and protect neurons.

Frontal Lobes

Involved in decision-making and movement.

Parietal Lobes

Process touch and body position.

Occipital Lobes

Visual processing area.

Temporal Lobes

Processes auditory information.

Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary movement.

Somatosensory Cortex

Processes touch and body sensations.

Association Areas

Involved in higher mental functions.

Plasticity

Brain’s ability to adapt.

Neurogenesis

Creation of new neurons.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the brain’s hemispheres.

Split Brain

Condition where brain hemispheres are separated.

Consciousness

Awareness of self and surroundings.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Study of brain activity and cognition.

Dual Processing

Conscious and unconscious information processing.

Behavior Genetics

Study of genetic influences on behavior.

Environment

External factors influencing behavior.

Chromosomes

DNA structures containing genes.

DNA

Genetic material.

Genes

Units of heredity.

Genome

Complete genetic information.

Identical Twins

Twins with identical genetics.

Fraternal Twins

Twins sharing about 50% of genetics.

Molecular Genetics

Study of gene function at the molecular level.

Heritability

Extent to which traits are inherited.

Interaction

Genes and environment working together.

Epigenetics

How environment affects gene expression.

Evolutionary Psychology

Study of behavior through evolution.

Natural Selection

Survival of traits aiding reproduction.

Mutation

Genetic change leading to variation.