WORD FOR WORD PSYCH

VCE Unit 3 and 4 psychology definitions you should know word for word.

Define the central nervous system

a system comprising the brain and the spinal cord. Its primary role is to process information received from the body’s internal and external environments and to coordinate appropriate responses.

define the peripheral nervous system

the entire network of nerves located outside the central nervous system.

define the Somatic Nervous System

a sub-division of the peripheral nervous system comprising a network of nerves that carries sensory information to the CNS and motor information from the CNS.

define the autonomic nervous system

a sub-division of the peripheral nervous system that connects the CNS to the body’s internal organs, providing feedback to the brain about their activities.

define the sympathetic nervous system

a sub-division of the autonomic nervous system that activates internal muscles, organs and glands to prepare the body for vigorous activity or to deal with a stressful or threatening situation.

define the parasympathetic nervous system

a sub-division of the autonomic nervous system that helps to maintain the internal body environments in a steady, balanced state of normal functioning.

define the enteric nervous system

the system embedded within the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and is dedicated to its functioning.

define Glutamate

the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system

define GABA

the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

define Dopamine

a modulatory neurotransmitter known to have multiple functions depending on where in the brain it acts; functions include roles in coordinating movement, learning and behaviours that are rewarding

define Serotonin

a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator with multiple functions depending on where it acts; functions include emotional processing, mood, and sleep onset

define Classical Conditioning

three-phase learning process) that results in the involuntary association between a neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned response;

define Operant Conditioning

a learning process whereby the consequences of a behaviour determine the likelihood that it will be performed again in the future

define Observational Learning

a learning process involving the acquisition of information, skills or behaviour through watching the performance of others and the consequences of those behaviours and then imitating those behaviours

define Stress

psychobiological response produced by internal or external stressors

Define Long-term potentiation

the long-lasting enhancement of synaptic transmission due to repeated strong stimulation;