Module 10 Psychology for the AP Course

motor neurons

Neurons that carry outgoing information from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands.

Interneurons

CNS neurons that internally communicate and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor outputs

Nervous System

The body's speedy, electrochemical communication network--all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Central Nervous System

The brain and the spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body.

Nerves

Bundled axons that form neural "cables" connecting the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs.

Somatic Nervous System

The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body's skeletal muscles

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles and heart and glands.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body, conserving its energy.

Reflex Arc

A simple, automatic, inborn response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee-jerk response.

Pituitary Gland

The endocrine system's most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands.

sensory neurons

neurons that carry incoming information from the body's tissues and sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord

Hormones

chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues

Adrenaline

A hormone released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress

Leptin

hormone that acts in the brain. It signals the hypothalamus and brain stem to reduce appetite and increase the amount of energy used

Ghrelin

hormone secreted by empty stomach; sends "I'm hungry" signals to the brain

Melatonin

sleep-inducing hormone

Oxytocin

a hormone released by the pituitary gland that causes increased contraction of the uterus during labor and stimulates the ejection of milk into the ducts of the breasts. It also aids social support by promoting bonding and enables individuals to act cooperatively against threats.