ap psych biological psychology quiz 2

action potential

This process starts due to stimulation of the receptor sites for the neuron that is firing.

a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon

• Also called neural impulse or nerve firing or depolarization

• generated by the movement of positively charged ions into the axon.

threshold

is the minimum level of stimulus needed to be detected or cause a noticeable effect.

absolute refractory period

Period immediately after an action potential when another action potential CANNOT occur. (1/1000^th of a second)

relative refractory period

Period following absolute refractory period when a neuron will only respond to a stronger than normal impulse

all or none response/law interneurons

• A neuron either fires or it does not

• When it does fire, it will always produce an impulse of the same strength

• Intensity of a stimulus is seen by the frequency of action potentials

interneurons

Interneurons are nerve cells that transmit signals between other neurons, typically within the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). They play a key role in processing information and integrating sensory input with motor output.

neurotransmitter

any of a large number of chemicals that can be released by neurons to mediate transmission of nerve signals across the junctions (synapses) between neurons

reuptake

Neurotransmitters in the synapse are reabsorbed into the sending neurons through the process of reuptake. This process applies the brakes on neurotransmitter action.

agonist

a substance or drug that binds to specific receptors in the brain and activates them, mimicking the effects of a natural neurotransmitter. 

antagonist

 drug molecules that excite, or increase a neurotransmitters action and neural communication.

brainstem

• Controls Sleep

• Sits just above the Medulla

medulla

the base of the brainstem 

It controls autonomic functions and relays nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord.

• respiration

• blood pressure 

• heart rate 

• reflex arcs 

• vomiting 

thalamus

the brain’s sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem. It directs messages to the sensory areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.

reticular formation

The reticular formation is a network of neurons in the brainstem that regulates wakefulness, sleep, and alertness. It also plays a role in filtering sensory information.

• Inside the brainstem

• Neuron network extending from spinal cord through thalamus

• Filters incoming sensory stimuli

• Helps with attention

• Controls arousal

cerebellum

• The “little brain” attached to the rear of the brainstem.

• Some don’t consider it part of the brain stem, I just teach it here because its located right next to the brain stem

• It helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance.

• Processes sensory input

• Enables nonverbal learning and memory

limbic system

a doughnut-shaped system of neural structures at the border of the brainstem and cerebrum, associated with emotions such as mood (fear and aggression) motivations (hunger, thirst, and sex) and  memories. It includes the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus.

amygdala

consists of two almond-shaped neural clusters linked to the emotions of fear and anger.

hypothalamus

It directs several maintenance activities like eating, drinking, body temperature, and control of emotions. It helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. 

hippocampus

• Seahorse-shaped

• Process conscious, explicit (conscious) memories of facts and events

• Decreases in size and function as we grow older