AP Psychology Unit 1.1 Brain and Nervous System

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Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain. Higher-level cognitive thinking, perception, & decision-making

Frontal Lobe

One of the 4 parts of the Cerebral Cortex, responsible for reasoning, problem-solving, and motor functions.

Paretial Lobe

One of the 4 parts of the Cerebral Cortex, processes sensory information related to touch, temperature, & pain.

Temporal Lobe

One of the 4 parts of the Cerebral Cortex, involved in processing & interpreting auditory information.

Occipital Lobe

One of the 4 parts of the Cerebral Cortex, responsible for processing visual information & interpreting visual stimuli.

Prefrontal Cortex

A region of the frontal lobe, associated with higher-level functions such as decision-making, planning, social behavior, & executive functioning.

Motor Cortex

A region of the frontal lobe that is responsible for planning, executing, & controlling voluntary movements of the body.

Executive Functioning

Cognitive processes that enable individuals to plan, organize, strategize, focus attention, regulate emotions, & manage time effectively.

Somatosensory Cortex

A region in the Parietal Lobe, processing sensations (touch, pressure, temperature, pain) in skin, muscles, or joints

Corpus Callosum

Thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left & right hemispheres.

Brainstem

Oldest & most primitive part of the brain. Basic life-sustaining functions like breathing, heartbeat, & sleep-wake cycles.

Medulla

Base of the brainstem, regulates essential autonomic functions like heartbeat, breathing, & blood pressure. Relays nerve signals between brain & spinal cord.

Reticular Activating System

Network of neurons in the brainstem. Regulates arousal, attention, & consciousness.

Cerebellum

Back of the brain, below the cerebral hemispheres. Coordinates movement, balance, & posture.

Limbic System

Beneath Cerebral Cortex, involved in emotions, memory, & motivation.

Reward System

Processes pleasurable experiences and reinforces behaviors associated w/ them.

Thalamus

Relays most sensory information to the cortex and helps regulate attention and alertness.

Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, body temperature, sleep rhythms, & hormone activity through the pituitary gland.

Pituitary Gland

Regulates hormone production to maintain homeostasis.

Hippocampus

Helps form new memories & supports navigation.

Amygdala

Processes fear & aggression (fight-or-flight)

Nervous System

Body’s complex network system for communication.

Central Nervous System

Brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

All nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord.

Autonomic System

Division of the peripheral nervous system, regulates INVOLUNTARY bodily functions

Sympathetic Nervous System

Division of Autonomic NVS, actives “fight-or-flight'“ and prepares body to respond to perceived threats.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Division of Autonomic NVS, relaxes and restores body to a calm state after stress/danger.

Somatic Nervous System

Divison of Peripheral NVS, for VOLUNTARY actions.