Unit 1 Biological Bases of Behavior AP Psych

Evolutionary Perspective

study of how psychological traits and behaviors have evolved over time *survival*

Natural Selection

organisms with traits that are better suited for their environment are more likely to survive

nature

“genes” inherit biological and genetic factors that influence an individuals development, traits, behaviors and cognitive abilities

nurture

environmental influences that shape an individuals development

twin studies

examines similar and differences between identical and fraternal twins

adoption studies

investigates similarities between adopted children and their biological and adaptive families

family studies

analyzes similarities and differences among family members

heredity

transmission of genetic information from biological parents to offspring

genetic predisposition

inherited likelihood of developing specific traits or conditions due to genetic factors

eugenics

belief in improving the genetic quality of a human population by controlling reproduction

the nervous system

bodys communication network

central nervous system

consists of the brain and spinal cord, command center, processing info

peripheral nervous system

consists of all the nerves and outside the brain and spinal cord, communication, sensory information

autonomic nervous system

division of the peripheral nervous system, regulates involuntary bodily functions, operates automatically without conscious control

sympathetic nervous system

responsible for activating the body’s “fight or flight” during stress or danger, increases heart rate, dilates airways, redirects blood flow to essential organs

parasympathetic nervous system

promoting relaxation, slows heart rate, constricts airways *parachute*

somatic nervous system

controlling voluntary movements

neurons

specialized cell that serves as the building block of the nervous system

glial cells

“support cells” of the nervous system, maintaining brain health and supporting functions

motor neurons

sending signals from brain to muscles, movement

sensory neurons

receive sensory information

interneurons

connectors between motor and sensory neurons

reflex arc

quick responses, controls reflex actions

Neural transmission

process when neurons communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals

threshold

level of stimulation required to triger an action potential in a neuron

action potential

brief electrical impulse that travels along the axon of a neuron

all-or-none principle

once a neuron reaches its threshold of excitation, it will fire full strength

depolarization

inside of neuron becomes less negative compared to outside

refractory period

brief period following an action potential when a neuron cannot regenerate

resting potential

stable, negative charge that exists across the cell membrane, not actively transmitting signals

reuptake

process when neurotransmitters are released and reabsorbed, like recycling

multiple sclerosis

chronic autoimmune disease that affects central nervous system (brain, spinal cord)

myasthenia gravis

chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction (muscles)

neurotransmitters

chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons, allowing for communication within the nervous system

excitatory neurotransmitter

chemicals released by neurons that increase likelihood of an action potential

glutamate

primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS, transmission and communication. learning, memory, neural plasticity, ability to change, adapt

inhibitory neurotransmitter

chemical released by neurons that decrease likelihood of an action potential

GABA

primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, relaxation, reduces anxiety

Dopamine

neurotransmitter that regulates mood, reward, motivation, movement

serotonin

neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, stress

endorphins

neurotransmitter produced by brain and cells, natural pain relieves, mood enhancer. released in response to stress, pain, intense physical activity

substance P

neurotransmitter, transmitting pain signals in nervous system

acetylcholine

neurotransmitter, plays role in both central and peripheral nervous system. muscle contraction, memory, learning

hormones

produced by glands in endocrine system that travel through bloodstream to target cells or organs, regulate various physiological processes and behaviors

ghrelin

hormone produced by stomach, stimulates appetite and promotes hunger

leptin

hormone produced by fat cells, regulates energy balance and appetite

melatonin

hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle, ensuring restful sleep

oxytocin

hormone and neurotransmitter, social bonding, trust

adrenaline

hormone and neurotransmitter, bodys stress response, adrenaline levels surge during times of stress, fear, or excitement, helping the body to adopt

nonrepinephrine

hormone neurotransmitter “fight or flight” repsonce, regulaint arousal, attention, and stress, increase heart rate, blood pressure, alertness